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3 Ways Your SIM Card Can Be Hacked (And How to Protect It)

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Many people are unaware of the security risk with their SIM cards. Knowing the latest security measures with the related cybersecurity hacks and threats has become a necessity in this technology-driven world. Availing of any reliable cyber insurance service is also a way to limit the loss when your SIM card gets hacked. Here are 3 ways your SIM Card can be hacked and your personal data infiltrated.

Being a victim of a SIM card hack is scary. Cybercriminals can access your messages, and phone calls that can involve your bank details. They can use your codes that lead to loss of money through your bank account. You may be the victim of full-scale identity theft that causes a complicated situation with your security. Well, here are 3 ways your SIM card can be hacked:

SIM Jacking:

The first way your SIM card can be hacked is SIM jacking. Discovered in the year 2019, it can happen when the cyber hacker shares a spyware-type code to your device via a text message. If you open that message, the hacker can have access to your calls and messages. With the help of access to your message, they can use your apps and see the passwords using two-factor authentication and one-time passwords. The hacker can use it to try changing your passwords of different accounts which can be your bank account, emails, Bitcoin, or crypto-currency. Thus, all the data connection through your SIM card can be a big security risk.

SIM Cloning:

The second way your SIM card and your data can be compromised is SIM cloning. In this hack, someone can get access to your physical SIM and create a duplicate SIM using the smart card copying software. Once they can create a duplicate SIM through your original SIM card, they will be able to receive all the phone calls and messages. In this way, they can even initiate the phone calls and send SMS to misuse your data.

SIM Card Hijacking:

The third way your SIM card can get hacked is when an imposter gets unauthorized access to your personal data through any medium that you are unaware of. It happens when they call your mobile operator service and convince them that they are the real Sim card user. Then, they request the service provider to change the SIM. Once, such imposters get control with the new SIM card and number, they access your account using One-time passwords and two-factor authentication. Once they access your accounts, they can use your personal data for unethical hacks.

How to protect your SIM Card from getting hacked?

Nowadays, with the increased number of mobile users, SIM card hacking has become a matter of concern for both the users as well as mobile carriers. To be proactive, many companies are providing options for ensuring account security to users. You can even opt for cyber insurance to have a double layer of protection for your data. Apart from using your cell phones, you are also recommended to use certain precautionary measures beforehand.

1. Know about the phishing attacks:

Hackers use the hijacked SIM Card and use your personal information through phishing attacks. It is important to get educated about phishing scams. If you are a big organization and have taken necessary preventative steps against cyber attacks, it is also important to educate your employees about phishing attacks, text requests, external emails etc. You should let them be aware of the difference between real and suspicious requests. Being alert and productive is the worst way to keep your data, assets and employees protected.

2. Beware while sharing your data online:

Just like you need to be aware of phishing attacks when the SIM card gets hacked, it is equally important to limit the sharing of data online. However, it does not seem harmful to share your personal data like check-ins to certain places, sharing memories and other stuff on the social media platforms, but such kind of information can also lead to loss due to cyber hacks. Cybercriminals who use phishing techniques with social engineering can be able to use such information to threaten you. It is recommended to never forget to make security settings up to date. You should keep your social media accounts private and add the contacts you know. If anything seems suspicious like a friend request or a notification asking for personal information, password or OTP, you should block the same as early as possible.

3. Consider an in-store visit while opting for SIM card swapping:

Requesting an additional fee associated with your SIM card is a good idea to safeguard data, but is it better to visit a store to swap your SIM card. It is hard for cyber attacks to pull off the SIM swap. It is important to know about SIM swapping too as restarting your cell phone does not solve the issue. When your SIM is swapped, you may get a notification like- we got disconnected, this account is added with the new device, do not ignore it and so on. With many cases of SIM card hacking and cloning, the cybersecurity by cell phone carriers is improving continuously.!

4. Know cyber hygiene with a good cybersecurity expert:

There are many firms available that offer the top of the line cyber security services to different sorts of businesses. Availing such services for your business help you to create more secure environments. You can even get the tips to secure your SIM card, data, devices, etc. with small security measures. They can help you to know about the SIM attacks and see your data protected with various security tips.

5. Use a SIM card lock:

To prevent SIM card hacks, you can use some sort of protection with your SIM card such as seeing a SIM card lock. This is the most beneficial measure you can use by adding a PIN code. In this way, if anyone tries to hack your SIM card, they will require a PIN code you set. Before you use a SIM card lock, you need to remember the PIN given by your network provider. By making certain security settings, you can set the PIN for the SIM card lock.

How to respond when your SIM card gets Hacked?

If you get to know that your SIM card is hacked, connect to your network provider and request to disable/ replace the SIM. And they use the preventive measures that are mentioned above to avoid future risks.

Conclusion

With the new cyber threats popping up every day, it is quite important to know the new cyber security loopholes. As SIM cards can also be the target of hacks and other security vulnerabilities, you need to learn how to protect them against hackers and threats. Along with following the above tips on SIM card protection, you can go for cyber insurance and ensure the security of a SIM card.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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