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
Which action best applies “SIM Swapping Can Hijack Text Messages”?
- Stop the conversation and verify the request independently.
- Prefer an authentication app or security key for important accounts. — correct
- Use a phishing-resistant security key or FIDO-based sign-in for important accounts when available.
A phone number is an identifier, but it is not always proof that the real owner is present.