Glossary

SIM Swapping

SIM swapping is when criminals trick your phone company into moving your number to their phone. Suddenly they get your texts - including those two-factor authentication codes. They can reset passwords and take over your accounts. Your phone just stops working.

What is SIM Swapping?

A fraud technique where attackers convince a mobile carrier to transfer a victim's phone number to a SIM card they control, enabling them to intercept calls and SMS messages.

Why Should You Care?

Understanding sim swapping is essential for building a strong security posture. This knowledge helps organizations identify threats early and respond appropriately.

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Real-World Example

Security teams regularly encounter sim swapping in their day-to-day operations. Recognizing and responding to these scenarios is a core security competency.

How to Protect Against SIM Swapping

  1. 1.

    Set up a PIN with your mobile carrier

  2. 2.

    Use authenticator apps instead of SMS for 2FA

  3. 3.

    Monitor for unexpected loss of cell service

Related Terms

Social Engineering, Two Factor Authentication, Identity Theft

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