Hackers can steal your phone number (SIM swapping) or gain access to your phone to control accounts, reset passwords, and steal sensitive data. Here’s how to prevent it and why each step is important.
Protect Your SIM from SIM Swapping Attacks
- Call your carrier and set a SIM PIN or Number Lock
• Without a PIN, a hacker could convince your carrier to transfer your number to their SIM card, allowing them to intercept calls and texts, including 2FA codes.
2. Set up a carrier-specific PIN/password
• Some carriers require a separate account PIN before making SIM changes. This adds another layer of protection.
3. Use eSIM if possible
• eSIMs (digital SIMs) can’t be physically swapped, making it harder for hackers to transfer your number to another device.
Enable Strong Security on Your Phone
1. Use a strong passcode (not 1234 or birthdays)
• Hackers can guess weak passcodes easily. A long, complex passcode makes brute-force attacks much harder.
2. Turn on Face ID or Fingerprint lock
• This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a passcode, making it harder for anyone else to unlock your phone.
3. Enable auto-lock (short timeout)
• If your phone is left unattended, auto-lock prevents unauthorized access quickly.
Secure Your Accounts & 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
- Use an Authenticator App (Google Authenticator, Authy) instead of SMS codes
• SMS-based 2FA can be intercepted through SIM swapping. Authenticator apps are device-based, making them more secure.
2. Remove your phone number as a 2FA method where possible
• If a hacker gains control of your number, they can bypass 2FA security measures by receiving login codes.
3. Never share 2FA codes with anyone
• Scammers often impersonate companies and ask for your 2FA codes to access your accounts.
Be Careful with Calls & Messages
- Don’t click suspicious links in texts or emails
• Hackers send phishing links that can install malware or steal login credentials.
2. Never share personal info over the phone
• Scammers impersonate banks, phone carriers, and tech support to trick you into providing security details.
3. If your carrier calls asking for verification, hang up and call them back yourself
• Hackers can spoof phone numbers to make it look like the call is from your carrier. Calling back ensures you’re speaking to the real company.
Monitor & Respond Quickly
- If your phone stops receiving calls/texts, call your carrier immediately
• If your SIM is hacked, you may suddenly lose service because your number has been transferred to another SIM.
2. Check for unusual logins or account activity and reset passwords if needed
• If a hacker gets access to your phone, they may try to reset passwords or log in from new locations. Detecting it early prevents further damage.
SIM and phone hacking can give attackers access to all your personal and financial accounts. Taking these precautions significantly reduces your risk.
Zenia is a multifaceted artist, musician, singer, actress, and tech advisor, dedicated to inspiring transformation through authentic expression. A natural wellness advocate and activist, she supports movements, foundations, and individuals committed to meaningful change. Zenia empowers people to live from the heart, harnessing the power of music, art, lifestyle shifts, and conscious awareness. Rooted in a family legacy of yoga, meditation, holistic health, education, and law, she carries forward a tradition of healing and knowledge, blending artistry with advocacy to make a lasting impact on the world.
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