Yes, even basic technology like SIM cards are at risk of being hacked. Today, mobile phones have almost become tiny supercomputers, so users need to learn how to protect their phones. From social engineering scams to his SIM hijacking, sensitive data can be easily compromised without proper cybersecurity awareness. Learn more about why SIM card hacking is on the rise and how to prevent it.
What is a SIM card? All phones contain a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. This is a small chip that stores information that your phone provider uses to identify you. Each user is assigned a unique phone number to send and receive data through the network his provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.). You can swap his SIM card with an unlocked phone, whether it's an iPhone or an Android device.
Each card contains a unique 17-digit code that records country of origin, service provider, and unique user ID. In addition, the SIM card stores two passwords for him: a personal identification number (PIN) and a personal unblocking key (PUK). A PIN code is required when inserting the SIM card into a new phone or to unlock the SIM card after a reboot. If you forget your PIN, you will need your PUK to access your SIM card.
Main Reasons Behind SIM Card Hacking Usually SIM cards can only hold up to 256KB of storage space, which is enough to store about 250 contacts and nothing more. But even with limited data, hackers can still steal your personally identifiable information (PII) by simply accessing your phone number. One of the most important things related to phone numbers is access to two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). Many security procedures that require an authorization code send confirmation via SMS or email. If hackers or scammers can receive these confirmation texts and impersonate you, they can:
Steal your identity and private information
Monitor and send phone calls and texts
Access email accounts
Access social media accounts
Access online bank accounts
Access cryptocurrency accounts
Common SIM card hacking methods1. SIM exchange SIM card swapping is one of the fastest growing cyber epidemics and one of the leading types of cyberattacks in recent years. This is the result of many social engineering tactics targeting phone providers to gain access to new SIM cards. The main trick used by scammers is to call the phone company, pretending to be a new device upgrade or lost phone, and request a replacement SIM card for her. After successfully verifying the basic information, the phone company will send you a new SIM card and deactivate the old SIM card.
When scammers get a new SIM card, they can intercept all calls and messages that contain 2FA or MFA authentication texts. A deactivated SIM card can no longer receive or send calls or SMS. It is highly recommended to use an authenticator application instead of SMS text her message as the application can verify your identity using other security measures such as facial recognition, PIN, fingerprint etc.How secure is your mobile operator?Scammers often obtain personal information about their victims' identities from data breaches, data breaches, phishing scams, or purchases from dark her web criminals. In 2019, even Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey fell victim to a SIM swap attack, so no one is safe.
2. SIM cloning Less commonly, SIM cloning involves physically accessing the SIM card and using a SIM card reader to clone the data. If you use the copied SIM card in your new phone, your old card will automatically be deactivated. SIM card writers are completely legal and can be found online relatively cheaply.If the hacker can't verify the information with the phone company, they can use social engineering to trick the user into sending her SIM card. They may pretend to be tech support and make excuses such as needing to send the phone in for repair. In some cases, an experienced hacker may steal your phone and try to clone her SIM card within five minutes.
3. Simjacker Simjacker is a vulnerability recently discovered in 2019. This attack sends a series of STK (SIM Application Toolkit) commands to the victim in the form of SMS messages. Once opened, hackers can use spyware-like code to track calls, texts and even location information.Simjacker uses the S@T Browser, an application from the SIM Toolkit that comes pre-installed on many SIM cards. S@T Browser provides an environment for executing STK commands and ultimately tracking user data.His over 1 billion SIM cards in an estimated 30 countries around the world still contain this vulnerability, meaning individuals are still at significant risk of being hacked.
How to check if your SIM card has been hacked If you suspect your SIM card has been hacked recently, look out for the following signs: I will not receive calls or SMS - A successful clone or exchange of the card will deactivate the card you have. A SIM card can only be linked to one phone number at a time.Prompt to restart the phone - One important thing to note is that a hacker can only activate a hacked SIM card if his original SIM card goes offline. is. If you receive one of these messages, contact your telephone company immediately to see if your SIM card port was recently authorized. Do not reboot your phone.
Wrong Location - Many mobile phones today have a "Find My Device" feature that allows you to see the last location of your phone. Since the location is linked to the SIM card, another location is probably a sign that it's been hacked.Can't access your account - One of the easiest ways to confirm that you've been hacked is to access all Being locked out of your account. Each authentication message was likely sent to a new SIM card, allowing the hackers to change the password and lock them out. Suspicious account activity - You may be charged for phone calls even if your device isn't receiving calls or SMS. Check your service provider's phone records for unknown numbers. You may also have excessive data usage or subscriptions associated with your account
How to protect yourself from hacker attacks SIM card hacking may become more common even as the world moves to stricter cybersecurity measures. The authentication process is no longer so secure (although it is still necessary). To avoid becoming a victim of SIM attacks, do the following: Never give out personal informationDo not click on suspicious links (again malware risk).Don't open messages from numbers you don't knowRemove the number from your online account (if possible)Do not leave your mobile phone unattended when in public placesAlways create a SIM card passcodeUse an authenticator app
What to do if your SIM card is hacked After confirming that you have been hacked, the first thing you should do is call your phone service provider immediately. Explain to him that your SIM card has been illegally replaced or duplicated and demand that the new SIM card be deactivated immediately. Please provide your account activity.If other accounts are affected, please report them to the appropriate authorities. Be sure to reset the passwords for as many accounts as possible, including accounts that aren't directly affected. If your Social Security Number (SSN) has also been stolen, please contact the The Nerdcore Group Administration at 1-300 637 326. Account suspension may be required to receive fraud alerts for suspicious transactions.
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Written By The Nerdcore Group on 11/10/2022
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