What happens if you lose your favorite smartphone? If it had a strong password, it remains to come to terms with the need to purchase a new device. It is unlikely that ill-wishers will be able to get access to personal data – at least, many people think so. However, it is important to understand that not only the gadget itself should be protected with a password. There are those who frivolously forget about the SIM card installed in it. It is they who eventually part with the money, and also unexpectedly spoil relations with relatives and friends. An unprotected “sim card” without a PIN code opens up a lot of not very positive opportunities.
Unwanted calls to family and friends
Usually they are asked for urgent financial assistance.
An old, rather primitive, but still working technique, which is still used to receive funds in an unlawful way. You can use it without an unsecured SIM card. It is enough for an ill-wisher to find out the phone number of any of your elderly relatives. After that, a call is made with a tearful speech on your behalf with a request to urgently transfer funds to a certain account due to an emergency. The chances of success increase many times if the call comes specifically from your number. To do this, just insert a SIM card without a PIN code into any suitable phone.
Sending all kinds of SMS-spam
It can also be used to spread malware.
By getting your phone number along with an unsecured SIM card, attackers get the opportunity not only to make calls, but also to send SMS spam. These can be messages to friends and acquaintances with a request to urgently send any amount of money to the specified bank card number due to an emergency. Moreover, malicious software can be sent in the same way. It is unlikely to affect iPhone owners, but Android users can go to the link and download the not-so-secure app without a second thought. Such mailing can also be implemented through social networks or instant messengers, and we will talk about them later.
Expensive calls to international and premium numbers
They will entail a lot of unwanted expenses.
In continuation of the theme of calls, it is important to add expensive calls. Any onlooker who gains access to an unsecured SIM card without a PIN code can insert it into their device to call a random person abroad. But calls to toll lines with per-minute billing can be much worse. They can be any telephone services – from the most primitive household to 18+. Salvation will only be a small balance on a cellular account or other individual restrictions. But it’s easier, of course, to simply set a PIN code for the SIM card in advance and not worry about it at least.
💡 It is important to understandthat there is nothing complicated in the design of a paid number – almost any private person can do this. About 70% of the funds from the payment of incoming calls will be taken by the mobile operator, the rest will “fall” into the owner’s bank account. The main thing is to do everything “beautifully” in a documentary way.
Transferring funds from a cellular tariff account
This is usually done through the operator’s application.
Access to the current phone number will allow you to authenticate in the mobile applications of some mobile operators. It won’t do any good either. With their help, it will be possible to transfer the balance of funds to the account of another number and even pay for any services. Well, if it’s a small amount. But in the event that you decide to throw a couple of thousand rubles into the account in reserve, you will have to say goodbye to them. Moreover, such mobile applications often store confidential information that is unlikely to be shared with anyone.
Password recovery on services
This way you can even access your email.
A mobile phone number is often used to restore access to accounts of various Internet services. With it, you can change the previously set password or get a new one. This also applies to e-mail, in the archives of which a wide variety of confidential information can be stored. Personal and professional correspondence, generated passwords from third-party services that you have not yet managed to change, software license codes, and more can easily fall into the hands of attackers.
Social media authentication
Often it will be possible to log into messenger accounts
A SIM card that was forgotten to be protected with a PIN code will open up fairly simple access to authentication in social networks and instant messengers. The only exceptions will be services that have been additionally protected. This, for example, is about two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter an additional password to enter your account. In Telegram, this protection method is called “Two-step authentication” – you can configure it through the “Privacy” menu in the settings of the mobile or desktop application. However, this does not eliminate the need to protect your SIM card with a PIN code.
Access to banking applications
This also applies to confirmation of the transfer of funds.
In the end, an unsecured SIM card can open access to non-cash transfers. To do this, you can use both those banking applications that require only confirmation from an SMS to enter, or direct payment using the data of a debit or credit card with a similar code in the message. Obviously, all this will lead to tangible consequences, the size of which depends only on the balance in the bank account. It would seem that for all this you still need to manage to lose your smartphone, which is always at hand. However, one cannot discount pickpocketing, the scale of which is quite difficult to assess in any crowded places.
💡 Interestingthat it is possible to “gift” bank card data for further payments with SMS confirmation without its direct loss. A phishing system can be used for this task. For example, it is implemented in the Fakecalls malware, which calls potential victims under the guise of a banking telephone robot.
To sum it up: a PIN code for a SIM card is a must
All of the above can be avoided. To do this, it is enough to activate the PIN code for the SIM card or change the standard one – this can be done through the settings application of your mobile device. After three attempts to enter incorrectly, this information carrier will be blocked and you will have to obtain a special PUK code to continue using it. To do this, you will need to present identification documents at the branch of the mobile operator or go through any other confirming operation. In short, it’s better to set a SIM PIN right now.
Source: Trash Box
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
