Understanding SIM Swapping Attacks and How to Protect Yourself

by | Jun 9, 2023 | Security

Hi Everyone,

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to infiltrate our personal information. One of these innovative yet intrusive methods is known as a SIM swapping attack. I sent the tip about this over a year ago, but I just wanted to refresh your memory. Here is everything you need to know about since swapping attacks and how to protect yourself.

Understanding SIM Swapping Attacks:

A SIM swapping attack is a technique where a hacker tricks your cellular service provider into transferring your phone number to their own SIM card. This fraudulent swap allows them to impersonate you and gain access to sensitive information such as bank accounts, credit card numbers, or even your social media accounts.

How does this happen?

Typically, the hacker initiates a SIM swap by calling the customer care of your service provider, pretending to be you. They might claim that they’ve lost their phone or that it has been stolen. Once convinced, the service provider deactivates your SIM card and activates a new one, which is in the hacker’s possession.

How to Protect Yourself:

One of the best defences against SIM swapping attacks is to secure your SIM card with a passcode or PIN. By doing so, your phone number cannot be transferred to another SIM card without your specific PIN. Here’s how you can add a PIN to your SIM card on both Android and iOS devices:

For Android:

  1. Open your phone’s ‘Settings’ application.
  2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Security & location.’ (The name might vary slightly depending on your device.)
  3. Tap on ‘Advanced’ or ‘More settings.’
  4. Choose ‘SIM card lock’ or ‘Set up SIM card lock.’
  5. Switch on the ‘Lock SIM card’ toggle.
  6. You’ll be asked to enter a default SIM PIN. You can ask your carrier for this if you haven’t set one before.
  7. After entering the default SIM PIN, you can now change it to a new, unique PIN of your choice.

For iOS:

  1. Open the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap ‘Cellular.’
  3. Select ‘SIM PIN.’
  4. Toggle on ‘SIM PIN.’ You will be asked to enter a default PIN, which you can obtain from your carrier.
  5. Tap ‘Change PIN’ to set up a new, unique PIN.

Note: Make sure you remember your SIM card PIN. If you enter the wrong SIM card PIN multiple times, your service provider might lock your SIM card.

Cybersecurity is not a one-time task but a constant process of updating and maintaining your defences against potential threats. SIM swapping is a serious risk, but by taking these steps to protect your SIM card, you’re significantly reducing your chances of falling victim to such an attack.

Should you have any queries, concerns, or comments about SIM swapping attacks or other privacy matters, please remember our Privacy Care Team is available 24/7 to assist you. Remember, your privacy is our top priority.

All the best,

Max Roberts.