The actions listed below will assist you in safeguarding your phone number from hackers, including ways to stop phishing, SIM switching, and other frequent attacks:
- Keep your phone number private: Avoid sharing your phone number publicly on social media, forums, or websites unless absolutely necessary.
- Use strong passwords and 2FA: Ensure all accounts associated with your phone number (e.g., email, bank, social media) have strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your phone, email, and online accounts for suspicious activity.
- Be cautious with links and calls: Verify the authenticity of links, emails, or calls before responding or clicking on them.
SIM Swapping Protection:
Set up a SIM PIN or lock: Contact your carrier to enable a SIM PIN or lock, which requires a code to be entered before the SIM can be used in a new device.
Carrier-specific security measures:
- Verizon: Enable "Extra Security" in your account settings.
- AT&T: Activate "Extra Security" or "Enhanced Security" in your account settings.
- T-Mobile: Enable "Account Takeover Protection" in your account settings.
- Sprint: Activate "Secure Boot" and "SIM Lock" in your account settings.
- Receive alerts for SIM changes: Request your carrier to notify you via email or an alternate phone number in case of SIM changes or updates.
Phishing and Smishing (SMS Phishing) Protection:
- Verify sender information: Be wary of messages from unknown numbers or those claiming to be from a company but with a suspicious sender ID.
- Don't respond to suspicious messages: Never reply to messages asking for personal or financial information.
Use phishing protection apps:
- RoboKiller (iOS, Android): Blocks spam calls and texts.
- Truecaller (iOS, Android): Identifies and blocks spam calls and messages.
Enable spam filtering on your phone:
- iOS: Go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders.
- Android: Go to Settings > Messages > Spam protection (varies by device manufacturer).
Additional Tools and Services:
Number masking services:
- Google Voice (free): Masks your original number when making calls or sending texts.
- Burner (paid): Offers temporary, disposable phone numbers.
Identity theft protection services:
- LifeLock (paid): Monitors your personal info, including phone numbers, for potential identity theft.
- Credit Karma (free): Offers identity monitoring, including phone number alerts.
