Smart issues advisory against SIM take-overs

Smart issued an advisory against SIM take-over or SIM-hijacking due to the reported SIM swapping incident within the telco industry. The telco advises its customers to be vigilant from being a victim of SIM take-overs and cybercriminals.

A SIM take-over is when somebody tries to transfer your SIM’s mobile number to another SIM via social engineering techniques. Smart mentioned that it is like a virtual version of budol-budol and is also known as “SIM-jacking” or “SIM-hijacking.”

Smart also noted that if you are compromised, all text messages (SMS) and calls that are supposed to be received by your number will be received by the cyber-criminal. Cybercriminals can then use the data to hack banking, email, and other online accounts.

The telco implements a pinless process that cross-checks and matches your mobile number and your device’s unique 16-digit IMEI number. Moreover, the new SIM can only be activated on the same device last used with the old SIM, thus, preventing unauthorized activation on other devices.

The telco also wishes to convey its commitment to ensuring its customers’ data are safe at all times. According to Smart, they have an existing process validating the identity of customers coming to their stores, with the added verification of the customer’s photo or picture.

To know more about Smart, visit its official website.