How to Enable SIM Protection Settings on Verizon to Prevent SIM Swapping Attacks

Understanding SIM Swapping Attacks

SIM swapping is a fraud technique where a scammer transfers a victim's mobile phone number to a SIM card in their own device. This allows the attacker to intercept calls and text messages, including two-factor authentication codes, which can then be used to gain unauthorized access to mobile accounts and other online services linked to the phone number.

Verizon's Security Measures

Verizon Wireless provides two primary safeguards against SIM swapping: SIM Protection and Number Lock. SIM Protection prevents unauthorized SIM or device changes on a phone number unless the setting is manually disabled. Number Lock specifically blocks unauthorized transfers of the mobile phone number itself.

Enabling SIM Protection on Verizon

To activate SIM Protection via the Verizon website, users navigate to 'Account', then 'Account overview', and select 'Profile and settings'. Under the 'Security' section, they can find and enable 'SIM Protection' for each line on their plan, followed by saving the changes. In the My Verizon app, this setting is accessible from the 'Me' screen, under 'Profile and settings', within the 'Security' section.

Activating Number Lock

Number Lock can be enabled from the same 'Security' section on both the Verizon website and the My Verizon app, after SIM Protection has been set up. Users select 'Number Lock' and activate it for the desired lines, ensuring to save changes if using the website. These steps help secure the mobile account against fraudulent number transfers.