I spent a lot of time considering what the first tip I would share might be. There are so many impactful tidbits to share. While future posts and videos will include content like "securing your e-mail account," "securing your social media account," or "enabling multi-factor authentication," I quickly realized that there is one foundational component of our securing our personal digital lives that doesn't get nearly as much publicity as it should. In fact, to a large degree, it has been overlooked.
What is this remarkable but forgotten piece of personal cyber hygiene we are speaking of? YOUR MOBILE PHONE NUMBER.
Indeed the security not only of this device but of your mobile number itself forms the bedrock of your personal digital security.
Because SMS or text messaging is so prevalent as a means of resetting forgotten passwords or providing one-time codes for multi-factor authentication, your mobile phone number could be said to be "the key to your digital kingdom."
So my question to all of you is, "Is your Mobile Phone Number Secure?"
If not, you could be vulnerable to the following (plus more).
The attacker can use your number to "recover" access to your accounts (like Gmail or Facebook).
The attacker now receives any Multi-Factor Authentication requests texted to your number.
The attacker has access to all your phone calls and texts and can impersonate you to others.
What is potentially at stake?
Bank Accounts
Your e-mail
Photos
Texts
Social media accounts
Cryptocurrency exchange accounts
Immediate steps you can take to protect your mobile phone number from prevalent attacks:
Ensure you use a mobile carrier that requires a "Number Transfer Pin." The three major U.S. carriers have all required an NTP for several years. Check your carrier to understand each carrier's implementation. This information is beneficial from a cyber perspective and helps if you finally get fed up with your current provider and want to change!
If your carrier provides it, ensure that they notify you of any requests to port your number.
If your phone supports it, ditch your physical SIM card and migrate to an E-SIM. https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/mobile-phones/esims/
Ensure your online account with your Cellular Service Provider is protected with Multi-Factor Authentication.
Never leave your phone - with - anyone - else.
Ensure your phone stays locked with a strong passcode and/or Biometric requirement for access.
If you want to learn more about ways to protect your phone number, please visit our website or follow and contact us on any of our social media channels. The social media channels are a good place for questions!