Your SIM Card Can Be Hacked in Three Ways (And How to Protect It)

 

You must be informed about emerging security breaches since new internet threats emerge every day. And, if you're reading this, you're surely aware that your Smartphone’s operating system needs to be updated on a regular basis to keep it safe from attacks.

 

Surprisingly, though, a SIM card can also be a source of security flaws. Many business listings we’ll show you how hackers can use SIM cards to obtain access to devices, as well as give you some tips on how to keep your SIM card safe.

 

1 - Simjacker

 

Security experts at Adaptive Mobile Security stated in September 2019 that they had uncovered a new security vulnerability known as Simjacker. By transmitting a piece of spyware-like code to a target device through SMS message, this sophisticated assault does SIM card hacking.

 

If a user opens the message, hackers can use the code to track their whereabouts and spy on their calls and messages.

 

The vulnerability is exploited by using S@T Browser, a piece of software that is part of the SIM Application Toolkit (STK) that many phone companies employ on their SIM cards. The SIM alliance Toolbox Browser is a method of business listings connecting to the internet—basically; it's a simple web browser that allows service providers to interface with web applications such as email.

 

The S@T Browser is currently rarely used because most people use a browser like Chrome or Firefox on their device. Many machines, however, still have the software installed, making them exposed to the Simjacker assault.

 

According to the researchers, the S@T protocol is "employed by mobile operators in at least 30 countries with a combined population of over a billion people," especially in the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, and Eastern Europe.

 

They also suspected that the exploit was created and exploited by a private company that was cooperating with various governments to track specific demographics, such as journalists and activists.

 

Phones of all types, including iPhone and Android devices, are vulnerable. Simjacker is also compatible with embedded SIM cards (eSIMs).

 

2 - Switching SIM Cards

 

SIM card switching is another security concern you may have heard about. In August 2019, hackers tried a variation of this approach to get access to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's personal Twitter account. This occurrence brought attention to the devastation that these attacks can cause. Rather than exploiting technical flaws, the method relies on deception and social engineering.

 

A hacker will initially call your phone provider to do a SIM card hacking through a SIM card switch. They will pose as you and free listing request a replacement SIM card. They'll claim they need a new SIM because they wish to upgrade to a new handset. The phone company will provide them the SIM if they are successful.

 

They can then take your phone number and use it to connect it to their own device. All without having to remove your SIM card!

 

This has two consequences. First, your original SIM card will be disabled and will cease to function. Second, the hacker now has control over your phone number, including calls, messages, and two-factor authentication requests. This implies they may have enough information to gain access to your accounts, and they may be able to lock you out of them as well.

 

Because it includes social engineering, SIM card swapping is difficult to prevent. Hackers must persuade a customer service representative that they are you. They have power over your phone number once they have your SIM. It's possible that you won't even realize you're a target until it's too late.

 

3 - Cloning of SIM cards

 

Many individuals mistakenly lump SIM changing and SIM cloning into the same category. SIM cloning, on the other hand, requires more effort than the other method.

 

In a SIM clone attack, the hacker acquires physical access to your SIM card before creating a duplicate of it. Naturally, the hacker will remove your SIM card from your Smartphone before copying it.

 

They accomplish this with the use of smart card copying software, which replicates your SIM card's unique identifier number onto their blank SIM card.

 

The hacker will next use their Smartphone to insert the newly duplicated SIM card. Consider your unique SIM card identification to be gone once this process is completed.

 

The hacker can now listen in on all of your phone's communications, just as they do with SIM swapping. They now have access to your two-factor authentication codes, allowing them to access your social media accounts, email addresses, card and bank accounts, and more.

 

Hackers can potentially exploit your stolen SIM card identity to commit fraud requiring a unique phone number.

 

How to Protect Your SIM Card

 

If you wish to safeguard your SIM card from attacks like these, there are a few steps you may take:

 

1 - Protecting Against Socially Engineered Attacks

 

Make it difficult for hackers to gather information about you to protect against SIM card swaps. Hackers will utilize information about you that they find online, such as your address or the names of your friends and family. This information can help you persuade a customer service representative that you are who you say you are.

 

Set your Facebook profile to friends-only and minimize the public information you publish on other sites to keep this information safe. Also, to avoid being the victim of a hack, remember to erase outdated accounts you no longer use.

 

Another approach to avoid SIM card swaps is to keep an eye out for phishing scams. Hackers may attempt to phish information from you in order to copy your SIM later. Keep an eye out for phishing emails or login sites. Also, be cautious about where you enter your login information for whatever account you use.

 

Finally, think about the two-factor authentication mechanisms you employ. Some two-factor authentication providers will deliver an authentication code through SMS to your device. This implies that even if you have two-factor authentication enabled, hackers can access your accounts if your SIM is compromised.

 

Use a different authentication mechanism, such as the Google Authentication app, instead. Because the authentication is related to your device rather than your phone number, it's more secure against SIM card swaps.

 

2 - Put a SIM Card Lock on your phone

 

You should also put up certain protections on your SIM card to protect yourself against SIM attacks. Adding a PIN code is the most crucial security action you can take. If someone wants to change your SIM card, they'll require the PIN code.

 

Before you set up a SIM card lock, make sure you know the PIN your network operator has given you. To enable it, go to Settings > Lock screen and security > other security settings > Set up SIM card lock on an Android handset. Then you can turn on the Lock SIM card slider.

 

Go to Settings > Phone> SIM PIN on an iPhone. Go to Settings > Mobile Data > SIM PIN on an iPad. The SIM lock will then be activated when you confirm your existing PIN.

 

3 - Additional Security Advice

 

As always, you should create strong passwords that are unique to you. Don't use the same password for several accounts or reuse old passwords.

 

Also, make sure your answers to password recovery questions, such as your mother's maiden name, aren't publicly visible.

 

Safeguard Your Device against SIM-Based Attacks

 

Mobile device hacking is becoming increasingly sophisticated. There are ways to defend yourself from such attacks, such as keeping your personal information private and using a SIM card locks.

 

Phones, on the other hand, are becoming more secure than they once were, and you can always check to see if yours has been hacked. To better protect yourself from malicious behavior, make use of the security options available to you.