What attacks can use a SIM card or mobile number? For example, we are talking about attacks like SIM Swapping, vishing or even the theft of two-factor authentication codes (2FA). All this is directly related to our phones. A SIM card , in short, a mobile phone, can suffer attacks if we do not take adequate measures. Therefore we are going to give some tips to avoid it.
The SIM card, a target for cybercriminals
All users have a SIM card in their mobile. It helps us to connect to the telephone network, make calls, send SMS and have the Internet. It is true that traditional text messages have gone almost unnoticed in recent years. However, we do receive messages on many occasions to be able to log into our accounts, for example.
This occurs since it is a way to verify our identity. We can receive a code by SMS that serves to authenticate us when using a specific platform or service. Now what happens if a hacker manages to attack that SIM and read those messages? It is certainly a problem, since they could have access to our accounts.
Therefore, it is vital to maintain security and avoid attacks that affect the SIM card. But we are not only talking about the theft of codes that we receive by SMS, but also other threats such as SIM Swapping attacks or Vishing .
Types of attacks that are based on SIM cards
One of these attacks is what is known as SIM Swapping . It is true that in Spain at the moment it is not something that is really widespread, but it is convenient to know how it works and avoid problems. A SIM Swapping attack is when a hacker impersonates our identity to the telephone operator, for example.
This could happen if they have obtained our personal data. In this way they could contact the operator, they could carry out actions as if they were the legitimate user.
This problem is also known as SIM jacking. Attackers can obtain data from social networks, information that we have leaked online without realizing it or through theft using malware.
Another way in which they can use our SIM, our mobile number in short, is Vishing . What does this technique consist of? In this case it is very similar to Phishing except that they are going to make a voice call. They are going to call us to obtain personal data that can even be used to carry out a SIM Swapping attack as we have mentioned. Typically, they pose as a legitimate company, an organization that asks us for information for something specific.
Also, lastly, a very common attack in recent times is the theft of 2FA keys through SMS. They can use malware installed on the device to capture all the messages we receive and send them to a server controlled by the attackers. In this way, if a possible intruder tries to enter our bank account, for example, and finds himself needing to enter a code that is received by SMS, he could have said code when stealing messages.
How to avoid attacks on SIM cards
Now, users can take into account certain tips and methods to avoid attacks that put our SIM cards at risk. The objective is none other than to keep possible intruders away and who cannot steal our data.
Common sense is fundamental. We have seen that there are attacks such as Vishing that will seek to deceive the victim. They will impersonate a company or platform that we use. Therefore, we must exercise extreme caution and never make mistakes that could compromise our safety.
It is also vital not to expose our data more than necessary on the Internet. In the case of SIM Swapping attacks they will look for all kinds of information that we have made public on the network. For example, data that we expose on social networks, information that we make public in open forums or websites.
On the other hand, something fundamental is to maintain security on the devices. Avoid the entry of malware that can steal information or, in this case, even SMS. In this way we can avoid the misuse of 2FA. It is important that we have security tools.
It is also very important to protect our device with code. There are methods to prevent anyone from accessing the content of the phone if they have physical access to it. In this way we will avoid possible intruders who read our SMS if our phone is stolen or lost. At least it will give us time.
