SIMjacking, often referred to as “SIM Swap Fraud” or “port-out scam” is a type of cyberattack used to gain access to sensitive information, such as banking credentials, by targeting and hijacking a cell phone number, or other cellular device’s Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. Once a malicious actor is in possession of the target’s SIM card, they are able to access all of the user’s private data, including bank details, passwords, and other personal information that may have been saved on the device.
SIMjacking involves the exploitation of flaws in the authentication process used for cellular networks. In order to gain access to the SIM card, an attacker must either Trick the person associated with the phone number into giving them their personal security information or use phone number porting tools to get their hands on the SIM card. Once the attacker is in possession of the SIM card, they can then reset passwords, access accounts, and steal data.
As SIMjacking is becoming more prevalent, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with the attack and the steps that can be taken to prevent and detect it. Mobile service providers can help mitigate the risk of SIMjacking by enabling the use of multi-factor authentication. Additionally, users should be aware of the warning signs as well as be proactive in protecting their information by enabling SIM lock and utilizing two-factor authentication.
SIMjacking is a serious threat to user privacy, and can lead to significant financial losses if not properly protected. It is advised that users take the required steps to ensure that their information and data remains safe and secure.
