Signs of a SIM Swap Attack: How to Protect Your Cell Phone
A SECURITY expert has shared the warning signs that could reveal cell phones have been targeted in suspected SIM swap attacks. Unscrupulous fraudsters don’t even need to have the devices in their hands to execute the hack.
Hackers Carrying Out Remote Attacks
Hackers can carry out the attacks remotely and involve cybercriminals stealing information on SIM cards. It means scammers can capture the contents of what’s stored on the chip – such as photos, contacts, and text messages.
How the Attack Works
Fraudsters convince network providers to switch phone numbers to a new SIM card. They can use information stored on the SIM to answer security questions. This is because network providers don’t just swap cell phone numbers to a new SIM when someone requests. Once scammers are in control, they can change the victim’s account passwords.
Common Signs of a SIM Swap Attack
Security expert Jasdev Dhaliwal, the Director of Marketing at McAfee, has warned of the common signs that suggest a SIM swap attack may have occurred. Dhaliwal said one of the most obvious signs is if the cell phone doesn’t connect to the network. Cell phone users might receive a notification from the provider saying the SIM is inactive.
SIM Swap Attack Characteristics
Cybersecurity experts at Norton and Kaspersky have revealed other SIM swap attack characteristics. Victims might be unable to access their social media accounts. This is because fraudsters may have changed the password. They might also be unable to access their online banking accounts, with fraudsters making suspicious money withdrawals or payments to other accounts.
Understanding a SIM Swap Attack
SIM swap attacks are hacks that can take place remotely. It involves cybercriminals stealing a cell phone user’s SIM card. This gives fraudsters access to information stored on the chip, including photos, text messages, notes, and account details. Scammers have to convince network providers to switch a cell phone number to a new card.
Protecting Your Cell Phone
Dhaliwal shared three tips that can help Americans reduce the risk of being victims of SIM swap attacks. Passwords can be stored in a tool known as a password manager. Users shouldn’t use the same password for all accounts but rather strong, varied passwords. Two-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of security, and users should also avoid linking accounts to a cell phone number to limit hackers’ access to fewer accounts.