Scammers are coming for your phone number: How to protect your data
[Apple Insider]
Scammers want access to the most sensitive data available, like a social security number or credit card. But those are much more heavily protected, so they settle on the next best thing for wreaking havoc — your name and phone number.
Once a hacker, scammer, or cybercriminal gains access to your phone number, they can disrupt your life in untold ways by infiltrating the rest of your sensitive data. Learn more about this terrifying threat and how to prevent falling victim to these faceless villains.
Why do scammers want your phone number?
Think about all the ways you use your phone number. No longer are your digits just for making and taking phone calls or text messages. They connect you to your financial institutions, social media accounts, travel and accommodation bookings, and even access to streaming services.
Because our phone numbers are everywhere, they have become a dangerous tool for scammers and hackers. With your phone number, criminals can impersonate you, commit fraud, gain access to your data and money, and tarnish your reputation.
And these criminals are constantly adapting to changing technologies. They use SIM swapping, DNS cache poisoning, spyware, wardriving, and phishing techniques to obtain, manipulate, and use your data to meet their needs.
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