eSIM swappers have customized their attacks to steal people’s phone numbers and bypass digital security.
Technology is making our lives easier, but hackers are using it to trap people. Russian cyber security firm ‘FACCT’ has asked people using e-SIM to be cautious. Actually, e-SIM swappers have changed the method of their attacks to steal people’s phone numbers and bypass digital security. The firm has learned that in just one case last year, nearly a hundred attempts were made to gain access to people’s personal accounts.
Before moving on to the news, it is important to know about eSIM. eSIMs are like digital SIMs, which are stored in people’s phones. It works just like a physical SIM. eSIM can be added to the device by scanning the QR code provided by the service provider.
This technology is becoming quite popular among smartphone manufacturing companies and they are removing physical SIM card slots from mobile phones.
The report says that SIM swappers have started breaking the eSIM technology and can access people’s phone numbers, bank details etc.
Attackers hijack users’ mobile accounts using stolen or leaked credentials and then transfer the mobile numbers to their devices by generating QR codes. During this process, the victim’s mobile number gets hijacked and the e-SIM is deactivated.
Then what can happen
Once they gain access to mobile phone numbers, criminals can access a range of services including users’ banks and messaging apps, and can even bypass two-factor authentication. By doing this they can transfer money from users’ accounts.
Protect yourself like this
To avoid eSIM swapping attacks, users should use unique passwords. If you use e-banking service on your phone, then the security of that account should be kept tight. You should not share even your details with anyone and if you feel in danger, you should change the password immediately.
