How to Protect Yourself Against SIM Swapping in Light of the National Public Data Company Security Breach

The recent security breach at the National Public Data Company has sent shockwaves through the digital landscape, exposing the personal data of millions of individuals. While the immediate fallout from this breach includes concerns over identity theft and unauthorized account access, a specific threat has emerged at the forefront: SIM swapping.

SIM swapping is a form of identity theft where criminals convince your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card, giving them control over your phone number and access to sensitive accounts, including those protected by two-factor authentication (2FA). With so much personal information now floating around due to this breach, the likelihood of SIM swapping attacks has increased exponentially.

So, how can you protect yourself? Below are several key steps to safeguard against SIM swapping in light of this alarming breach.

Secure Your Mobile Carrier Account with a PIN or Password

One of the first things you should do is contact your mobile carrier and set up a PIN or password for your account. This extra layer of security ensures that anyone attempting to make changes to your account (such as transferring your phone number to another SIM card) will need to provide this PIN or password, making it much harder for fraudsters to pull off a SIM swap.

Most major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, allow you to set up account security codes. Call your carrier’s customer service or check their website to learn how to activate this feature.

Switch from SMS-Based 2FA to App-Based 2FA

Many services use SMS-based 2FA, which sends a text message to your phone number to verify your identity. Unfortunately, this system is vulnerable in the event of a SIM swap. If a criminal takes control of your phone number, they can intercept these verification codes and gain access to your accounts/

To better protect yourself, switch to app-based 2FA, where possible. Services like Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator generate 2FA codes directly on your device, independent of your phone number. Even if a fraudster swaps your SIM, they won’t be able to access the 2FA codes on your phone.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords for All Your Accounts

In the wake of the National Public Data Company breach, it’s more critical than ever to use strong, unique passwords for every account. Hackers often use stolen data to attempt password-reset requests, and weak or reused passwords are easy to exploit.

A good password manager, like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden, can help you generate and store unique passwords for each account, significantly reducing the risk of a hacker compromising multiple accounts with a single stolen password.

Enable Account Alerts for Suspicious Activity

Many services, including banking apps, social media platforms, and even your mobile carrier, offer the option to enable account activity alerts. These alerts will notify you of any unauthorized access attempts or account changes.

By turning on these alerts, you can respond quickly if something seems off, whether that’s a password reset attempt you didn’t make or a SIM card swap you didn’t authorize. Acting fast in these situations can limit the damage of an attack.

Lock Your SIM Card with a PIN

Most people are unaware that they can lock their SIM card with a PIN. This additional security measure ensures that even if someone physically gets hold of your SIM card, they won’t be able to use it unless they have your PIN. To set up a SIM PIN, you can navigate to the settings on your phone, typically under the “Cellular” or “SIM” menu.

Beware of Phishing Attacks and Social Engineering Scams

SIM swapping often starts with a phishing attack or social engineering scam. In light of the recent breach, it’s important to stay hyper-vigilant about suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls. If someone contacts you claiming to be from your mobile carrier or another company and requests personal information, verify the request by contacting the company directly through their official channels.

Criminals may use personal details leaked in the breach to make their phishing attempts seem more legitimate, so always proceed with caution when providing any information online or over the phone.

Monitor Your Accounts and Credit Reports

With so much personal data potentially compromised, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your accounts for any unusual activity. Regularly review your bank statements, email logs, and social media accounts for unauthorized changes or login attempts.

You should also monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity, like new accounts opened in your name. In the U.S., you’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus once a year. Services like **Credit Karma** or **Experian** can help you track your credit health more frequently.

Utilize Carrier-Provided Protection Services

Some mobile carriers offer additional protections designed to guard against SIM swapping attacks. For example, T-Mobile offers its Account Takeover Protection, which blocks unauthorized port-out requests, while Verizon provides a similar service called Number Lock.

Contact your carrier to inquire about any additional security services they may offer and make sure to take full advantage of these protections.

Respond Immediately if Your Phone Suddenly Loses Service

One of the telltale signs of a SIM swap attack is an unexpected loss of service on your phone. If your phone suddenly stops receiving calls and texts, and restarting it doesn’t fix the issue, contact your mobile carrier immediately. It’s possible that someone may have ported your number to a new SIM without your knowledge.

The National Public Data Company breach has made protecting your personal information more critical than ever. With the potential for sensitive data to fall into the wrong hands, the risk of SIM swapping is real and rising. By following the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of SIM swapping and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals looking to exploit the recent breach.

Stay vigilant, stay protected, and safeguard your digital identity in these uncertain times.