What is a SIM Swap Attack? Understanding the Mobile Security Threat
A blog post by Cyber Search.
Introduction to SIM Swap Attacks
A SIM swap attack, also known as a SIM intercept attack, is a sophisticated form of identity theft that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the digital age. It involves scammers taking control of a victim's phone number by tricking the cell service provider into swapping the victim's SIM card information to a SIM card in the attacker's possession. This shift gives attackers access to incoming calls, text messages, and potentially to accounts secured with SMS-based two-factor authentication.
How Does a SIM Swap Attack Work?
The process usually starts with the attacker gathering personal information about the victim through phishing attacks or by purchasing data from other breaches. They will then use this information to impersonate the victim and convince the mobile carrier to port the phone number to a new SIM card. Once successful, the scammer can intercept messages, circumvent security measures on accounts, and even gain unauthorized access to online accounts linked to the phone number.
Protecting Yourself From SIM Swap Attacks
Protecting against SIM swap attacks involves a few key practices. Firstly, be vigilant about the information you share online and be suspicious of phishing attempts. Secondly, use a non-SMS based two-factor authentication wherever possible, such as an authenticator app. Lastly, inform your mobile carrier about the possibility of such attacks and inquire whether they have additional security measures that can be applied to your account to prevent unauthorized changes.