What is a SIM Swapping Attack?

How to Protect Yourself from SIM Swapping:

In today’s digital age, securing your personal information online is more critical than ever. One growing threat that many people may not be aware of is SIM swapping — a form of identity theft that can lead to significant financial and personal losses. In this blog post, we’ll explain what SIM swapping is, how it works, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam.

SIM Swap (Source: Wired)

What is SIM?

A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small card inserted into mobile phones that connects the phone to a mobile network. It stores essential information, such as:

• Phone number: Your unique mobile number.

• Carrier details: The mobile network provider you're using (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, Telus, Rogers).

• Security information: To authenticate your device on the network.

When you make calls, send texts, or use mobile data, your SIM card allows the phone to communicate with your carrier’s network, routing your communications and ensuring you stay connected.

SIM cards can be physical (a small chip) or digital (an eSIM, which works without a physical card).

What is SIM Swapping?

SIM swapping is a method used by criminals to take over your phone number, giving them control over all calls and text messages associated with it. This may sound harmless at first, but it’s a serious issue. If you use your phone number for things like two-factor authentication (2FA) for banking or social media, the criminals can intercept these verification codes and gain access to your accounts.

The FBI has reported a dramatic rise in SIM swapping cases, with complaints increasing by over 400% from 2018 to 2021. The losses tied to these scams amount to over $68 million, and experts believe the actual number could be much higher due to underreporting. (Source: https://ottawa.citynews.ca/2024/07/14/one-tech-tip-protecting-yourself-against-sim-swapping/)

How Does SIM Swapping Work?

SIM swapping is a sneaky crime, and it all starts with the personal information criminals gather about you. They can obtain this information through data breaches, phishing scams, or even buying it from the dark web. Once they have enough personal details — like your name, address, phone number, birthday, and sometimes even your Social Security number — they contact your mobile carrier.

The scammer will claim that your phone or SIM card has been lost or damaged and ask the carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card they control. Once the mobile carrier makes this change, the criminals can now receive calls and texts meant for you, including 2FA codes that could unlock your accounts.

Why Is SIM Swapping Dangerous?

What makes SIM swapping especially dangerous is that it can be used to bypass security measures you might have in place, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) via text messages. Many people rely on 2FA to protect their financial accounts, email, and social media profiles. If a scammer gains control of your phone number, they can easily intercept these security codes and lock you out of your accounts.

How to Prevent SIM Swapping

The best defense against SIM swapping is prevention. Here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Your online accounts are only as secure as the passwords you use. If criminals can steal or guess your passwords, they can easily access your accounts. Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for each account — this means mixing up letters, numbers, and symbols. A strong password is usually at least 16 characters long.

If remembering all of your passwords sounds overwhelming, consider using a password manager. These tools can help you store and generate secure passwords without having to memorize them all.

Please check this other article for more information about secure passwords: https://www.cybercheckup.net/post/how-to-create-stronger-passwords

2. Avoid Using Text Messages for Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a great way to secure your accounts, but if you’re using text messages as the second factor, your phone number is vulnerable to SIM swapping. Instead, consider using authentication apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy) or biometric methods (such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning). These methods are much harder for criminals to hack, as they don’t rely on your phone number.

Google Authenticator

3. Set Up a Unique Passcode with Your Carrier

Contact your mobile carrier and ask them to set up a unique passcode on your account. This passcode will prevent anyone from making significant changes to your account, such as transferring your phone number to a different SIM card. Some carriers already offer extra protections against SIM swapping, so it’s worth calling and asking about additional security measures.

4. Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a common tactic used by criminals to steal your personal information. They might send fake emails or text messages that look like they’re from legitimate companies or even your workplace. These messages often ask you to provide sensitive information or click on dangerous links. Be very careful about any unsolicited messages you receive, especially if they ask you to provide login details or click on links.

If you receive a suspicious message, don’t engage with it. Instead, report it to your email provider or mobile carrier. If you’re at work, follow your company’s security protocols.

5. Monitor Your Accounts and Financial Statements

Regularly check your bank accounts, credit cards, and social media accounts for any signs of suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately. You can also set up alerts with your bank or financial institutions so you’re notified of any strange transactions or login attempts.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of SIM Swapping

If you suspect that your phone number has been hijacked in a SIM swap, here’s what you need to do:

1. Contact Your Mobile Carrier: Immediately reach out to your carrier to report the issue and request that they block any further changes to your account. Most carriers have specific procedures in place to reverse a SIM swap, so make sure to follow their instructions closely.

2. Notify Your Bank: If your financial accounts have been compromised, contact your bank or credit card provider as soon as possible. They can place a freeze on your accounts, preventing further fraudulent activity and helping you secure your funds.

3. Keep Detailed Records: If your personal information is compromised, keep a record of all communications with your carrier, banks, and credit bureaus. This can help you track your efforts to resolve the issue.

4. Use an Authenticator App: Switch your online accounts to multi-factor authentication (MFA) via an authenticator app. This adds an extra layer of security that is independent of your phone number, making it much harder for criminals to access your accounts, even if they control your SIM card.

Conclusion

SIM swapping is a growing threat, but with the right precautions, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to it. By practicing good password hygiene, using alternative forms of 2FA, setting up passcodes with your carrier, staying alert to phishing attempts, and monitoring your accounts, you can protect yourself and your personal information from this increasingly common form of identity theft.

Stay alerted and protect your online accounts!