Cell phone numbers have become one of the most important parts of identity verification and account security in recent years. Therefore, it’s critical to shield them from SIM swap attacks. As Zack Whittaker, security editor at Tech Crunch, writes, this is an issue of urgent importance to secure our phone numbers. These numbers increasingly serve as critical lines for resetting lost passwords and receiving two-factor authentication codes. As of 2025, phone numbers are so common they’re low-hanging fruit for malicious hackers.
Phone carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are actively combating this increasing threat of social engineering attacks. They’re introducing new security-centric features that are tailor-made to ensure users’ safety. Hackers rely on impersonation and social engineering tactics to dupe phone carriers into switching accounts. This lets them commandeer a target’s phone number. Contributions to security These carriers have adopted impactful security measures. Their aim is to reduce the ease and convenience for hackers trying to port out phone numbers or take over customer accounts.
Understanding SIM Swap Attacks
Hackers carry out SIM swap attacks by tricking mobile carriers into transferring one of their victim’s phone number. Once the transfer is complete, the attacker has full control over the new SIM card. Once the hacker is in, they can intercept calls and texts. This grants them access to other sensitive accounts tied to the victim’s phone number. This power to reset passwords and deliver authentication codes introduces high risks. This greatly heightens the risk of ID theft and financial fraud.
Depending on the types of personal information that can be obtained in each attack, motives can vary from financial gain to fraudulent activity. The ramifications for victims are devastating. To defend themselves against these attacks, consumers need to be informed about the details of SIM swap attacks. This intelligence is especially vital with so much at hazard.
Enhancing Security with Carrier Features
Acknowledging the risk from phone numbers, some of the largest phone carriers have implemented additional security features. In July, AT&T introduced a free Wireless Account Lock feature that can help prevent unlawful SIM swaps. This new feature better protects users’ accounts from unauthorized changes that may result in identity theft.
T-Mobile and Verizon have dramatically improved their offerings, too. They announced new security protections against account alterations that might leave customers vulnerable to SIM swap attacks. As Whittaker argues, a significant number of these security features are out of public view. In fact, they may not be enabled at all by default. Users are advised to remove unnecessary devices from carrier accounts, and to turn on any security features that their carrier offers.
Activating these tools is the first and most important step in protecting personal data. Unfortunately, countless customers leave their phone numbers open to bad actors’ exploitation without even realizing it. Without the right protections in place, these numbers are vulnerable to misuse. With a bit of foresight, users can go a long way in protecting themselves from these all too frequent attacks.
The Importance of Vigilance
As phone carriers take huge steps toward establishing best security practices, the fight is on smartphone users to be aware and proactive. Stay alert by regularly monitoring account activity and updating security settings to protect yourself from attacks. Whittaker says the best thing users can do is educate themselves on what their carrier offers and turn on every security feature at their disposal.
Finally, consumers should be more careful about the phone numbers they give out. Being intentional about limiting access to those few who need access to personal information helps reduce the opportunity for identity theft to occur.
