{"id":3792,"date":"2025-06-17T08:11:30","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T06:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enthec.com\/?p=3792"},"modified":"2025-06-17T08:11:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T06:11:30","slug":"what-is-sim-swapping-and-how-can-an-early-warning-tool-prevent-identity-theft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enthec.com\/en\/what-is-sim-swapping-and-how-can-an-early-warning-tool-prevent-identity-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"What is SIM swapping, and how can an early warning tool prevent identity theft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our mobile phone is more than just a device: it’s the center of our digital lives. We use it to access our social media, online banking, medical services, and work communications. <\/span><\/p>\n

But have you ever thought about what would happen if someone hijacked your phone number? This is precisely what happens with <\/span>SIM swapping<\/b>, a impersonation technique that is on the rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before going into details, it’s worth presenting a solution that can be very useful when it comes to detecting an attack in time.<\/span> Qondar, <\/span><\/a>our tool, is a platform for <\/span>individual cyber-surveillance<\/b> to anticipate digital threats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qondar is an early warning system that identifies potential exposure of your personal information online and can help you detect signs of SIM swapping before it’s too late.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What is SIM swapping?<\/b><\/h2>\n

You may have read about it in recent news or heard it called<\/span> SIM swap<\/span><\/i> or<\/span> SIM swapping<\/span><\/i>, but<\/span> what exactly is SIM swapping?<\/b>It is a <\/span>digital scam<\/b> that involves duplicating your SIM card without your consent.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, a cybercriminal can take over your phone line, redirecting your calls, messages, and, most worryingly, the verification codes that many services send via SMS.<\/span><\/p>\n

The objective is clear:<\/span> access your accounts using popular two-step verification (2FA) systems.<\/b> Many banks, social media platforms, and emails use this method to confirm your identity, but if the attacker already has your phone number, they can receive these codes and access your data as if they were you.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

SIM swap: how does it work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The technique is not new, but it has gained popularity in recent years. <\/span>The modus operandi usually follows this scheme:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Obtaining personal data.<\/b>. Through leaks, <\/span>social engineering,<\/span><\/a> or even social networks, the criminal collects enough information about you (name, ID, address, phone number, etc.).<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Impersonation<\/b>. With this information, they contact your phone provider, pretending to be you, and request a duplicate SIM card, claiming the device has been lost or damaged.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Activating the new SIM.<\/b>. Once the operator validates the request, the new SIM is activated, and your line will no longer be available on your device.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Account access:<\/b>. The attacker tries to access your accounts. If you have SMS authentication enabled, he is already on the hook. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In minutes, someone can gain complete control over your personal data, networks, online banking, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \"SIM<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    How to protect yourself from SIM swapping?<\/b><\/h2>\n

    It is normal to wonder<\/span> how to avoid SIM swapping<\/b> or what we can do to protect ourselves from this dangerous technique. Here are some recommended measures: <\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Minimize the information exposed on networks<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Avoid sharing information such as your phone number, date of birth, or address on social media. Even seemingly harmless information can be used to create a fake profile and impersonate you. <\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Change authentication methods<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Whenever possible, avoid SMS authentication. Opt for authentication apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or physical keys (like YubiKey), independent of your mobile phone line. <\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Activate notifications on your operator<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Some carriers allow you to notify them of any line changes, such as SIM card duplication or portability requests. Activate these notifications if available. <\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Use a monitoring tool like Qondar<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Qondar, Enthec’s solution for personal users, is the best way to continuously monitor the exposure of your personal data. Whether online, in forums, on the dark web, or elsewhere, Qondar lets you detect leaks and signs that can anticipate a SIM swapping scam attempt. <\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    SIM swapping: How to prevent it with an early warning tool<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Attacks don’t always come in visible form. Often, before a SIM swap occurs <\/span>a personal data leak occurs<\/b> online. Emails, passwords, phone numbers, or addresses leaked in stolen databases are the cybercriminal’s first step. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Qondar lets you know if your data has appeared in a<\/span> security breach,<\/span><\/a>if someone is trying to steal your identity, or if your phone number has been compromised. This information is vital so you can take timely measures, such as changing your password, contacting your carrier, or even temporarily blocking certain services. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Thanks to its model-based approach,<\/span> CTEM (Continuous Threat Exposure Management),<\/b> Qondar doesn’t just analyze a snapshot of your digital situation, but <\/span>continuously assesses your risks,<\/b> adapting to the changing cybersecurity environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u00bfWhy is SIM swapping a growing threat?<\/b><\/h2>\n

    SIM swapping is not an isolated problem<\/b>.<\/span>. According to data from Europol and the National Cryptologic Center, these types of scams are rising in Europe. Attackers are targeting prominent public figures as well as ordinary citizens whose data has been exposed online. <\/span><\/p>\n

    And it’s not just about losing access to an account. The consequences can include: <\/span><\/p>\n