The Growing Threat of SIM Cloning and Swapping
Our phones are the key to our digital identity, making them increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals. With a range of methods at their disposal, hackers can compromise a smartphone with varying degrees of access and technical savvy. When discussing phone cloning, it typically refers to one of three things: phone cloning, SIM card cloning, or SIM card swapping.
Understanding Phone Cloning and SIM Cloning
True phone cloning involves copying the device information—such as the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and/or Mobile Identification Number (MIN)—to another device. In the past, this information was used to identify a device on cellular networks. However, advances in cellular technology have made true phone cloning extremely unlikely in most countries, including the U.S.
Modern cellular phones use SIM cards to store identifying information. To truly clone your cellular identity, someone would need physical access to your device, remove the SIM card, and copy it to a blank SIM using a SIM reader. This type of SIM card cloning is rare because it requires physical access to your device.
The Real Threat: SIM Swapping
The biggest threat today is SIM swapping. Hackers use social engineering tactics to impersonate account holders and trick carriers into issuing a new SIM card. This allows the attacker to gain control over the victim’s phone number. Once in control, they can send messages and make calls that appear to come from the victim’s number, potentially intercepting two-factor authentication codes and gaining access to critical accounts such as email, social media, and banking.
If a hacker gains control of your phone number, the first step is to contact your cellular provider immediately. They can shut down service to the hacker's device and restore your number to your phone.
Signs of SIM Swapping or Cloning
Unexpected Restart Request
Receiving a text asking you to restart your device may indicate your SIM card has been compromised, as restarting gives the attacker a window to load their cloned SIM.
Unrecognized Calls or Texts
Outgoing texts and calls made on the cloned SIM will appear on your bill. Watch for unusual international calls or higher-than-usual charges.
Loss of Service
If you stop receiving calls and texts, it may indicate someone else has control of your phone number. Test this by having a friend call you.
Location Discrepancy
Check Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device. If your phone appears in a different location, someone else may be using your cell service.
Carrier Update Notification
If your carrier sends a message saying your SIM has been updated without your action, it’s a red flag. You might not receive this message if your SIM has been swapped.
Account Lockouts
If you find yourself locked out of email or social media accounts, someone with control of your phone number may be resetting your passwords.
Preventing SIM Cloning and Swapping
To protect your phone, observe the same cybersecurity practices that keep you safe online:
- Verify that texts from your carrier are from legitimate numbers.
- Be alert for a sudden influx of spam texts, which could indicate a SIM swap attempt. Contact your carrier directly if you receive suspicious messages.
- All major carriers offer SIM swap protection, but there are reports of swaps occurring despite these measures. Carriers like T-Mobile send a text that must be responded to within ten minutes to prevent a SIM swap. Be cautious of spam messages that may hide the carrier's authentic text.
SIM swapping and cloning are just some of the ways your phone can be compromised. If you have concerns about your device's security, stay informed about the signs of phone hacking and take steps to protect your digital identity.
USSD Codes
USSD codes (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) are typically used to access hidden features or perform specific functions on mobile devices. They can also be used to check for potential vulnerabilities or unauthorized access. Here’s how you can use USSD codes to check if your iPhone might be hacked.
Common USSD Codes for Security Checks (iPhone)
1. Check for Diversion:
- Dial *#21# to see if your calls, messages, and data are being diverted.
- This will display the status of your various types of diversion (e.g., voice, data, fax, SMS, sync, async, packet access, and pad access).
2. Check for Call Forwarding:
- Dial *#62# to check if any of your calls are being forwarded to another number.
- This is useful to see if calls are being forwarded when your phone is unreachable.
3. Check for Redirections:
- Dial *#67# to see if calls are being forwarded when your phone is busy.
4. IMEI Number:
- Dial *#06# to display your device's IMEI number.
- Knowing your IMEI can be helpful in case your phone is stolen or compromised.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Your iPhone Has Been Hacked
1. Review Installed Apps:
- Check for any unfamiliar or suspicious apps that you didn’t install.
2. Update Your iOS:
- Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Updates often include security patches.
3. Change Your Passwords:
- Change your Apple ID password and any other passwords stored on your device.
4. Reset Network Settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
5. Factory Reset:
- If you suspect serious issues, consider performing a factory reset after backing up your data.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
6. Contact Your Carrier:
- If you see evidence of call forwarding or diversion, contact your carrier to ensure your account is secure.
### Additional Tips
- Install Security Software:
- Consider installing reputable mobile security apps that can help detect and prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor Battery and Data Usage:
- Unusual battery drain or data usage can indicate malicious activity.
- Stay Informed:
- Keep up to date with the latest security news and updates for your device.
Using these USSD codes and additional security measures can help you identify potential hacking attempts and secure your iPhone against unauthorized access.
The information about using USSD codes to check for signs of hacking or unauthorized access is similar for both iPhone and Android devices, though some codes and steps might differ slightly.
Here’s how you can check if your Android device has been hacked using USSD codes and other methods.
Common USSD Codes for Security Checks on Android
1. Check for Diversion:
- Dial *#21# to check if your calls, messages, and data are being diverted.
- This code displays the status of your various types of diversion (e.g., voice, data, fax, SMS, sync, async, packet access, and pad access).
2. Check for Call Forwarding:
- Dial *#62# to see if any of your calls are being forwarded to another number.
- This helps you find out if calls are being forwarded when your phone is unreachable.
3. Check for Redirections:
- Dial *#67# to check if calls are being forwarded when your phone is busy.
4. IMEI Number:
- Dial *#06# to display your device's IMEI number.
- Knowing your IMEI can be helpful in case your phone is stolen or compromised.
### Steps to Take if You Suspect Your Android Device Has Been Hacked
1. Review Installed Apps:
- Check for any unfamiliar or suspicious apps that you didn’t install. Go to Settings > Apps to review all installed apps.
2. Update Your Android OS:
- Ensure your Android device is running the latest version of the operating system. Updates often include security patches. Go to Settings > System > System update.
3. Change Your Passwords:
- Change passwords for your Google account and any other accounts stored on your device.
4. Reset Network Settings:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
5. Factory Reset:
- If you suspect serious issues, consider performing a factory reset after backing up your data. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
6. Contact Your Carrier:
- If you see evidence of call forwarding or diversion, contact your carrier to ensure your account is secure.
### Additional Tips
- Install Security Software:
- Install reputable mobile security apps like Avast Mobile Security, Norton Mobile Security, or Lookout Security & Antivirus to help detect and prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor Battery and Data Usage:
- Unusual battery drain or data usage can indicate malicious activity. Go to Settings > Battery and Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage to monitor usage.
- Stay Informed:
- Keep up to date with the latest security news and updates for your device.
By following these steps and using these USSD codes, you can check for signs of hacking or unauthorized access on your Android device and take appropriate action to secure it.
