Cyber Safety · 55 sec
SIM Swapping Can Hijack Text Messages
Your phone number can sometimes be transferred without your permission.
The useful idea
- Understand
An attacker may persuade a mobile provider to activate your number on a different SIM.
- Connect
Calls and text-message verification codes can then arrive on the attacker's device.
- Apply
Authentication apps and hardware security keys do not depend on control of your phone number.
Why this matters
A phone number is an identifier, but it is not always proof that the real owner is present.
Try this
Prefer an authentication app or security key for important accounts.
Test your recall
What is the most useful next step for “SIM Swapping Can Hijack Text Messages”?
- Prefer an authentication app or security key for important accounts. — correct
- Act immediately without checking context.
- Assume the first impression is complete.
A phone number is an identifier, but it is not always proof that the real owner is present.