Explainer: What is SIM swapping, why is it dangerous and how to stay safe – Times of India

Amidst the growing threat of phishing, malware and ransomware attacks, SIM swapping Rather it gets ignored. by this word we mean cyber criminals achieve duplicate of your mobile SIM card In their hands and using it to avoid two-factor authentication, which could then allow them to access your sensitive banking details.
For Sim For swap to work, the cyber criminal first needs your SIM card which can be obtained through impersonation. To get a duplicate of the victim’s card, all they need is their personal data like your full name, ID proof, phone number, etc. They can then contact your mobile service operator by phone or over the Internet, or actually by visiting one. physical store. Impersonating a victim can be very easy if the mobile operator is not vigilant about verifying the identity of the user to whom the original SIM card was issued. If care is not taken with regard to issuing another SIM, it becomes quite easy for someone with intent to harm you through SIM swapping.
So, after buying a duplicate SIM, the next thing the cyber criminal does is to transfer it to another device. Doing so gives them access to all the data on the victim’s original SIM such as call logs and message history. Now, even if you believe that a banking transaction or transfer has taken place, OTP What is needed only you will get, you are wrong. Also, cyber criminals can also know your banking details and transfer your money to any other account.
SIM Swapping: Tips to Stay Safe
To stay safe from the threat of SIM swapping, the cyber security experts at Check Point Software Technologies have some tips:

  • The most important thing to note is to check if you have lost your mobile signal. Whenever a duplicate SIM is inserted, the victim’s SIM card completely loses the mobile signal as it loses its network access and hence, cannot be used to make calls or send text messages. If this happens, immediately contact the authorities and ask them to deactivate your SIM.

  • You need to be very careful about what personal information you provide to a website. Try not to give your personal details on any website and keep it to a minimum.

  • Before entering your personal details on any website, please check whether the website is secure and reliable.

  • Also, you’ll need to make sure the link is to the correct website, by simply checking if the connection is secure (padlock symbol in the address bar, URLs starting with https://, etc.)

  • Be aware of phishing emails and look for some of the tell-tale signs of someone you’re about like spelling errors, wrong domain names, suspicious email attachments, and more.