AT&T now lets you lock down your account to prevent SIM swapping attacks
AT&T is launching a new account locking function designed to protect wireless users from SIM exchange attacks. The functionality, which you can activate from the Myat & T application, prevents unauthorized changes from your account, such as telephone number transfers, SIM card changes and billing information updates.
SIM exchange attacks have become more and more common in recent years. They occur when a bad player obtains the telephone number of a victim, sometimes with social engineering techniques such as the identity of a victim and to ask their carrier a change of SIM, then intercept the messages and telephone calls for the victim. This can allow an attacker to receive two -factors’ authentication codes that they can use to enter sensitive accounts.
Other carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon and Google FI, already have similar features to prevent against this type of fraud. AT&T has started to gradually deploy the account locking earlier this year.
As indicated by AT&T, its new account locking feature is also blocking peripheral upgrades, as well as changes in authorized users and telephone numbers.
You can turn on or deactivate account locking at any time by opening the Myat & T application, selecting Services> Mobile Safety> Wireless account lockingAnd select the accounts you want to lock or unlock. AT&T will then send the main account holder An e-mail informing them of the modification, while each active number on the account will receive a text. Only users with primary and secondary access to an AT&T account can use account locking.
