Do It Right Now! How to Secure My Phone Number from Hackers

Imagine, your room is the key to the apartment. You're not going to throw copies of keys all over the city, are you? It's the same with the number. Do not leave it on questionable sites when registering, and do not make it publicly available on social networks unless absolutely necessary. Think twice before giving your number to anyone.

What to do in practice

1. Critically evaluate the need to provide your phone number. 

2. Use services where it is not necessary. 

3. You can use virtual numbers or secure payment methods for online purchases.

Your passwords must be complex and unique for each service. And be sure to enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. 

This adds an additional layer of protection: even if your password is stolen, the attacker will also need the code generated on your phone. Can hackers get your information from your phone number? It will also help consider this query.

What to do in practice

1. Use a password generator to create complex and unique passwords.

2. Change passwords regularly (especially if there is a suspicion of a leak).

Phishing SMS is one of the most common tricks of scammers. They send messages disguised as a bank, delivery service, or even government agencies, and ask you to click on a link to "confirm your details," "pay a fine," or "receive a gift." Never follow links from such messages.

What to do in practice

1. Install an antivirus on your phone that can block phishing links.

2. Never enter personal information on websites that you have clicked through to from spam text messages.

3. If in doubt, call the organization on whose behalf the message was received and clarify the information.

Fraudsters often call, posing as bank employees, and under various pretexts try to extort your card details, SMS codes, or even convince you to transfer money to a "secure account." Never tell anyone your personal information over the phone.

What to do in practice

1. If the bank calls you, tell them you'll call them back. Find the bank's phone number on the official website or on your bank card and call back.

2. Never tell anyone by phone the card number, CVC code, card expiration date, or SMS codes.

3. If you are asked to transfer money to a "secure account", these are 100% scammers. 

The PIN code on the SIM card is an additional layer of protection. If your SIM card is stolen or used in another phone, attackers will not be able to use it for calls, SMS and Internet access without a PIN code. Remember how to protect my phone number from hackers can be found on the website.

What to do in practice

• Go to the phone settings and find the item "Security" or "SIM card".

• Enable PIN code request when you turn on your phone or when changing your SIM card.

• Come up with a complex PIN code that is difficult to guess.

• Remember your PIN code, but don't write it on your SIM card or phone.

• If you forgot your PIN, contact your carrier to restore it.

Regularly update your phone's operating system (Android or iOS) and all the apps that are installed. Developers are constantly releasing updates that close security vulnerabilities and fix bugs.

What to do in practice

1. Enable automatic app updates in your Google Play or App Store settings.

2. Regularly check for updates for your phone's operating system in the settings.

3. Do not ignore notifications about new updates and install them as soon as possible.

Avoid suspicious offers that promise unrealistic benefits or prizes. These can be sweepstakes, promotions, bonuses that require you to provide personal information or install a questionable application.

What to do in practice

1. Critically evaluate any proposals that promise unrealistic benefits.

2. Do not follow links from suspicious messages and emails.

3. Do not install applications from unofficial sources.

4. Check information about sweepstakes and promotions on the official websites of companies.

If you have lost your phone or it has been stolen, contact your carrier immediately and lock your SIM card. This will prevent your number from being used for calls, SMS, and internet access, as well as protect your accounts linked to the number.

What to do in practice

1. If your phone is lost or stolen, immediately call the operator and lock the SIM card.

2. Restore the SIM card with the new number or continue using the old number with the new SIM card.

Limit the amount of personal information you post on social media. Do not post photos of documents, information about your place of residence, work, studies, vacation plans, or other information that can be used by fraudsters.

What to do in practice

1. Set up privacy settings on social networks to restrict access to your personal information.

2. Think before you post something. Remember that nothing disappears without a trace on the Internet.

3. Do not add strangers as friends.

Always be attentive and careful when communicating with strangers, especially on the Internet. If something seems suspicious to you, it's better to be safe and check the information.

What to do in practice

1. Do not trust strangers and do not give them personal information.

2. Check information obtained from unreliable sources.

3. If something seems suspicious to you, it's better to be safe.