A major wireless carrier is rolling out a significant new security feature aimed squarely at combating the rising threat of SIM swapping fraud. This dangerous tactic allows criminals to hijack a phone number, gaining access to accounts tied to that number, such as banking, email, and social media, often by tricking a carrier into transferring the number to a SIM card they control.
To provide customers with enhanced protection, this carrier is introducing what they call a “Wireless Lock.” This feature adds an extra layer of security to your mobile account. Once activated, the Wireless Lock makes it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to perform actions that could lead to a SIM swap, such as transferring your number to a new device or SIM card without your explicit, verified consent.
Implementing this lock essentially freezes changes to your account’s SIM or eSIM setup. Any attempt to swap your SIM or port your number out would trigger a need for more stringent verification steps, potentially requiring an in-store visit or other secure identity checks that a fraudster would struggle to pass. This proactive measure is designed to give customers greater control over their account security and dramatically reduce the risk of becoming a victim of SIM swap attacks. It’s being offered as an optional but highly recommended step for users seeking to bolster their defense against sophisticated digital threats.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/atandt-rolls-out-wireless-lock-feature-to-block-sim-swap-attacks/
