FBI issued a warning against the rising smartphone hijacking campaigns or SIM swapping hacks. Right now, this sophisticated scam technique is still affecting many phone owners across the globe.
A guest takes a selfie with her smartphone during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Madrid on April 8, 2021. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
Unlike malware, ransomware, and other complicated malicious campaigns, this hijacking method can be done easily in a multi-stage heist.
This means that SIM swapping is not the typical cyberattack that consumers usually encounter. If this malicious campaign happens, hackers can trick your wireless carrier to change your SIM.
FBI Says Phone Hijacking Now Rampant
According to Fox News' latest report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said that the total number of SIM swapping complaints increased to 1,611 in 2021.
WUHAN, CHINA - MAY 11: (CHINA OUT) A women wears a mask while uses iPhone pass the crossroads on May 11, 2020 in Wuhan, China. The government has begun lifting outbound travel restrictions after almost 11 weeks of lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19.
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This is a massive jump in numbers since only 320 consumers were affected between the years 2018 and 2020. Aside from this detail, the FBI also explained why this hijacking method is alarming.
"Once the SIM is swapped, the victim's calls, texts, and other data are diverted to the criminal's device," said the security agency.
It added that if the SIM swapping activity is successful, hackers behind the attack send "Account Recovery" requests.
After that, your wireless carrier will send a one-time passcode or a link to the criminals' SIMs, allowing them to control your device remotely.
How To Protect Yourself
FBI's official PSA provided some tips on how consumers can actually protect themselves against SIM swapping attacks. These include the following:
- Use a variety of unique passwords to access online accounts.
- Use strong multi-factor authentication methods such as biometrics, physical security tokens, or standalone authentication applications to access online accounts.
- Be aware of any changes in SMS-based connectivity.
- Avoid posting personal information online, such as mobile phone numbers, addresses, or other personally-identifying information.
These are just some of the methods you can try to avoid becoming a victim of phone hijacking. You can click this link to see more suggestions.
On the other hand, the FBI also said that contacting your mobile carrier is a must if ever your smartphone is hijacked. But, you need to do this ASAP.
In other news, an FBI document revealed all the details that messaging apps share with the law. Meanwhile, the Pegasus spyware was allegedly purchased by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
For more news updates about SIM swapping and other malicious activities, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
