Without any hesitation, most of us give out our phone numbers to complete strangers. After all, they are supposed to connect people and facilitate communication. However, today, contact information is not just used as a tool for interaction, like landlines. Our mobile numbers are connected to almost every aspect of our lives, both online and in the real world.
People do not go around publishing their SSNs everywhere. It is because most people are aware that their SSNs are linked to sensitive data. For some reason, the same thought does not cover cell numbers. Although they are now linked to all our personal data, apps, and online accounts. A hacker or scammer can do a lot of damage using just your mobile number. So, that could be banning your TikTok or any other account on social media. That is why it is estimated that around 60% of the world’s cyberattacks are initiated on mobile devices.
How can hackers gain access to your number?
Today, mobile phones are considered one of the most intimate devices we use in our daily lives. They are with us everywhere, even in the bathroom. That is why mobile devices are now the main target for hackers and fraudsters.
If your number falls into the wrong hands, you and everyone you know will be in danger. You might become victims of scams, financial fraud, and identity theft. Nowadays, phone numbers are regarded by hackers as an easy access point to all your personal data.
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, it is pretty easy to find your contact details. With so many data breaches, the data can be found almost anywhere. Hackers can also obtain access to your number in many ways, including:
- One of the easiest methods is to gain physical access to your phone. With the help of your unlocked mobile device, anyone will have access to all your apps. They can even lock you out of your own email and social media accounts.
- If you have published your details on social media, scammers can easily find it.
- Hackers can contact your mobile line service provider and impersonate you. They can ask for a new SIM card or request that all your phone calls and messages be redirected to their number.
- Fraudsters can make up any story and ask you to forward them the code you receive to verify your identity. In reality, they will use this code to take over your main contact method.
- Some hackers will send you bogus links. Once you click on it, your mobile device will download some sort of hidden spyware. This will grant the hacker access to your mobile, without notifying you.
Why are hackers interested in stealing cell numbers?
Over the past few years, cell phones have become a major part of our lives. Today, mobile numbers are linked to almost all our online accounts, apps, personal data, and much more. That is why hackers regard your number as the key to all the information they need for scams, frauds, or identity theft.
Using just your contact digits, scammers can steal your identity and almost every online account you own like Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram. They can learn a lot about you, from your full name and home address to your job, birth date, and other information about your family.
Think about it, you probably use it all the time to sign up for online sites, apps, and services. We get it! This method is faster and much more convenient. However, on the other side, this will get it linked to all your online activities. That is why your phone number is now considered an even stronger identifier than your social security number.
With just your contact information, hackers can virtually become you. They can reset the passwords of all your linked accounts and keep you out. All the personal information they gain through that can be used to answer security questions about your accounts. Scammers can also use your personal information to blackmail you or target your family and friends.
By breaking into your social media account, hackers can impersonate you. They can use your social media accounts to harass others. The scammers can also send your family or friends messages from your accounts asking for urgent help. If you think it is you, your loved ones can be tricked into sending them money or disclosing personal information.
Using your numbers and other information, hackers can hijack your online bank accounts. They can trick the online banking system into thinking they are you. Now, imagine all the damage these fraudsters can do with access to your bank or credit card online accounts. By the time you realize you have been subjected to identity theft, it could be too late. The hackers might have already used your banking data to steal large amounts of money from your accounts.
If you are a business owner or have a job that involves confidential information, scammers can do a lot of harm there. They can break into your work emails and other documents to access sensitive data. In today’s business world, data theft is considered a major security breach. It can cost the business a lot of money.
How to protect yourself?
Compromising your contact number can lead to disaster. It is like handing out the keys to your digital life to strangers. Just think about every site, app, and service that has your information. That is why you should protect it at all costs. However, you cannot keep your that a secret. You need to give it to others so they can contact you.
If you think your details fell into the wrong hands, do not panic! There are still some things to do to protect yourself and your loved ones. In these situations, time is critical. That is why you need to act immediately.
Identity theft is a serious crime. Therefore, you need to inform the authorities. You can file an official report online with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). There, you will also be provided with a personalized recovery plan to help you protect yourself. If you are sure your number has been spoofed, you can also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Also, hackers can commit several serious crimes. To protect yourself from being held accountable, you need to contact your local law enforcement. File a police report and give them any information that could help them make an arrest. You need to also explain the situation to your cell phone service provider. Ask them to put a temporary freeze on your line. This will stop the scammers from using your number until you handle the situation.
Tell your family and friends that someone else has access to your phone number. Then warn them that your online accounts might be compromised. This way, they will not get fooled if the hackers contact them pretending to be you. To protect your online accounts, change all passwords and remove the phone number sign-in option.
Other tips
Dedicating a secondary contact method for all your online signups and registrations is also a great idea. It will help you separate your real identity from your online activities. Keep that private, and use another number to make and receive calls and messages.
Cell phone accounts can have a secondary security code. It helps raise the security level. To set a secondary password, call your service provider. You can also do it online. This feature ensures that only you can make changes to your cell phone account or port out your number.
In the beginning, phone numbers were only meant to be used for calls and messages. However, now things have changed drastically. Our lives have become more and more digital. We rely heavily on our mobile devices for almost all our daily activities. At the same time, we do not give much thought to the levels of safety and security. Instead, the convenience and simplicity technology offers are all we focus on.
Unfortunately, online security has not progressed as quickly as digital technology. Connecting to your online accounts and apps using your phone number is convenient and simple. Yet, it also comes with some major risks and dangers. That is why you need to be extremely careful when using your details online.
Try not to link your contact details to your entire online identity. It does not matter what type of mobile device you own or which software you use. In all cases, hackers can use your mobile number to gain access to your sensitive information.
