Industry News & Thought Leadership

As we discussed in our last blog, the time for Network Authentication is now.

MNOs are the only source for trusted network authentication signals for mobile users, and this data is extremely valuable to enterprises trying to protect their consumers from fraud while not negatively impacting the consumer experience.

So, you’re ready to start monetizing your network data.  Now what?

Looking Beyond CAMARA

GSMA Open Gateway is a global framework of common network APIs that simplifies access to mobile operator networks. The Open Gateway northbound service APIs are defined within the CAMARA project.

CAMARA is an open-source project within the Linux Foundation that defines, develops, and tests telco APIs. It works in close collaboration with the GSMA Operator Platform Group to align API requirements and publish API definitions. 

While this is fantastic, we believe that currently only eight (8) of the “mature” CAMARA APIs are truly stable and know that just having APIs or an open gateway doesn’t deliver a network authentication business.

Beyond the APIs

There are three key elements for a successful network authentication business.

1. API & Monetization Platform  

The API Platform must allow carriers to manage pricing and access, not just process API calls. Access to the network information must be secure and not expose any PII (personally identifiable information), and the consumption of the information must be vetted and approved.

2. Network Integration

The API Platform must be securely and precisely integrated into a Carrier API platform and/or network elements, and unnecessary load must not be placed on the network. Only a handful of people worldwide know how to connect to an MNO network.  Our team has decades of experience doing just that, and with a low-code/no-code implementation, you can rest easy knowing that your network team won’t be overtaxed. 

3. Business Operations

Beyond a platform and integration, there are many other elements. Privacy. Security. Scalability. Data Consumption. Contracts. Aggregators. Pricing. Optimization. Maintenance. 24/7 Operation & Support. Each of these entails complexities, which must be carefully considered and addressed.

A Step Above

While other platforms exist in the market, none include all three elements for success or have the depth of experience in their personnel as we do at Shush.

Shush’s Sherlock platform supports all eight of the mature CAMARA APIs for authentication and fraud which we believe are stable, plus 39 others, including being the first platform to support silent authentication via TS.43 EAP-AKA.

Unlocking the code to TS.43, Sherlock is the first platform to establish a new, necessary standard for API Authentication, allowing WIFI coverage for silent authentication. This is a vast improvement and a significant change for the entire industry.

In addition to this monumental breakthrough, Shush delivers MNOs a “business-in-a-box” by providing and managing all components necessary for a successful and profitable network authentication business.

Shush will work with you to deploy the Sherlock platform without additional equipment and at no cost to you. 

Our seasoned telecom professionals will work with your existing network and leverage standard protocols to pull the proper network signals for this service, all in compliance with global data regulations. 

We use our 9-point privacy plan to align with you on all aspects of privacy. Our demand partner agreement templates care for the complexities of API transactions and the data exchanged (these are more involved than SMS agreements). We will review and approve use cases for each demand partner to ensure protected access to data for sanctioned use. 

Based on market trends and platform insights, we will provide ongoing recommendations for pricing optimization. We provide continuous maintenance and support for the platform and API traffic, both northbound to demand partners and southbound to your network.  Finally, with a revenue share model, we manage all the operations and send you a monthly check. 

Sounds too good to be true, but it's not!

Ready to get started? Fill out our contact form, email info@shush.pw, or message us on LinkedIn. We look forward to working with you!

The Value of Network Authentication for Enterprises

As we stated in our last blog post, the fraud landscape is constantly evolving with the increasing sophistication of criminals. This presents ongoing challenges for enterprises to protect their business and customers from nefarious actors.

Tides of Change

Around the world, there is a notable shift happening in how security and authentication are approached. Two-factor authentication has been a leading option to protect accounts for many years. It provides an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two different forms of identification. This is often a password and a code (OTP or one-time password) sent to a user’s mobile device or email (shudder again!).

While effective for a long time, the tides are changing, and a wave of innovation in authentication is developing to keep pace with evolving threats. This is driven by the need to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud and deliver a more seamless user experience. In some areas of the world, financial institutions are encouraged to eliminate weak authentication methods, including SMS and email one-time passwords.

Security & Authentication

Network authentication via telco APIs becomes increasingly valuable as security and authentication methods change. It provides a more secure means of authentication by verifying user identity through their mobile network. This helps protect accounts from unauthorized access and evolving fraud techniques, safeguarding brands and their reputations in today’s digital world.

Network authentication is a foundational element of mobile operations, acting as a crucial barrier to verifying the identity of users and devices and preventing unauthorized access to a carrier network. Preventing unauthorized access reduces the attack surface and makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.

In the interest of fraud prevention, most global regulations allow carriers to expose access to specific network elements for authentication to 3rd party enterprise applications, often with a simple update to privacy language and without explicit user consent. 

The key here is that access to the information must be secure and not expose any PII (personally identifiable information).

Value Beyond Security

Strengthening authentication practices is crucial for brands to ensure robust security and fraud prevention, and demonstrating a strong commitment to user data protection. It's not just about keeping the bad guys out and stopping fraud; it's also about showing customers you care about their data. When people know you're serious about protecting their info, they're more likely to trust you and feel good about sharing things online.

Let’s also discuss account access. Logins should be smooth and easy. Network authentication helps make that happen, providing seamless verification without requiring users to enter PINs or OTPs. Seriously, who has time for clunky logins and OTPs these days when everyone expects things to work instantly? Reducing friction is key to keeping people happy.

So what are you waiting for?

Still on the fence about Network authentication? It's a must-have for any brand wanting to keep things safe—think assets, customer info, the whole shebang. It's your primary defense against fraud; honestly, it makes your customers feel they can trust you. That trust? It builds loyalty. It's a win-win for your brand's good name and keeping people happy.

To learn more about how you can access this powerful data for your fraud prevention practices, fill out our contact form, email info@shush.pw, or message us on LinkedIn. 

The Value of Network Authentication for MNOs

Fraud & Cybercrime is the third largest global economy after the US and China. This is mind-blowing!

As we are all painfully aware, the fraud landscape is constantly evolving with increasing sophistication from criminals. This presents ongoing challenges for enterprises to protect their businesses and their customers from nefarious actors. On the flip side, it also opens the door to an opportunity for Mobile Network Operators to help. 

Global Shift

Global SMS revenues are declining, and SMS OTP volumes continue to drop year-over-year, being cannibalized by over-the-top providers (like WhatsApp), authenticator apps, and even email (shudder!). At the same time, fraud continues to rise, and enterprises are looking for more secure authentication methods that address increasingly sophisticated fraud without negatively impacting the customer experience. 

Meanwhile, a shift towards digital identity represents a significant business opportunity for MNOs to re-establish themselves as players within the digital ecosystem.

Where to Start

MNOs are uniquely positioned to provide better fraud prevention alternatives to enterprises, while adding a new revenue stream, but often lack the time, money, people, or market knowledge to deliver a robust network authorization solution.

Additionally, MNOs are unsure where to start with Network APIs. First, let’s define them.

Network APIs allow applications to send requests to network services via predefined endpoints within the network infrastructure to retrieve or manage the requested data, offering seamless integration between different services and applications.

There are only two types of Network APIs.  NaaS APIs used for enhanced communication services like edge computing, network slicing and Network Authentication APIs used for fraud prevention. 

Network Authentication is a Carrier service that passes network signals to Enterprise applications so they can assess whether a user still has control over their device. These unique and differentiated network signals include Silent Authentication, SIM Swap, Roaming, Port-Out, Device Status, and Account Status indicators. Enterprises that receive these real-time values then independently assess the risk of letting a user into a digital account. Major US Banks have been using Network Authentication services for years at scale to thwart mobile fraud.

The Time is Now for Network Authentication APIs

Market studies show that the value of network APIs will reach US$34 billion by 2030, with nearly half being attributed to Subscriber Identity (Network Auth) APIs.

In the short term, network authentication APIs capture 97% of the current $12B+ API market opportunity.

The market exists today for Network Auth APIs, while other API markets are still under construction. NaaS APIs (like QoD) are in the nascent stages of commercial availability and market adoption. 

Of course, there is value in NaaS APIs, but the time is now for Network Authentication. 

Are you unsure how to get started?  We’d be happy to help. Fill out our contact form, email info@shush.pw, or message us on LinkedIn. 

Dear Colleagues in the Telecommunications Industry,

The telecommunications landscape continues evolving after the “launch” of RCS and the continued interest in Network APIs. We must recognize and capitalize on the rapidly expanding opportunities before us as industry leaders. According to recent research from S&P Global, the market for network authentication is currently valued at $12.6 billion in 2024. This presents a significant window for mobile network operators (MNOs) to enhance their revenue streams, particularly by leveraging Anti-Fraud APIs, which account for the lion's share of this opportunity—97% of revenue in the S&P Global Market Intelligence Report.

However, the current state of Network API readiness shows that we are not moving fast enough. Only 5% of MNOs worldwide have partially deployed network APIs. While the other 95% would like to deploy Network APIs to the market, MNOs are being led to believe they need to prioritize 5G network infrastructure investments, thus delaying ROI for years. Much of this delay can be attributed to pressure applied by the OEM to purchase additional network components that are unnecessary for deploying Anti-Fraud Network APIs.

The GSMA has been leading the standardization of APIs and bringing the MNOs and industry together, but these efforts are insufficient to address MNOs' hesitation. This lack of action, at no fault of the MNOs, is causing an imbalance of supply and demand as brands, financial institutions, and enterprise developers are clamoring for Network APIs to secure their mobile-first brand experiences.

At Shush, our concern is that without some dramatic change, Network APIs will follow the slow and lackluster growth of RCS over the last few years.

Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. The industry can look back at the missteps in the much-delayed adoption of RCS. The delayed adoption of RCS offers a valuable lesson for the telecom industry. RCS was poised to revolutionize messaging but was held back by slow carrier rollouts, inconsistent global support, and a fragmented approach to implementation. These missteps allowed over-the-top (OTT) messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to dominate the market. MNO suffered from this by purchasing new equipment to support P2P/A2P RCS with no business case.

At Shush, we know that MNOs already have the infrastructure required to start monetizing Network APIs if the correct APIs are prioritized. Two types of Network APIs are available today - Anti-Fraud APIs (which we call Network Authentication APIs) and NaaS (Network-as-a-Service) APIs like MEC, Network Slicing, QoS, and QoD.  The following three points need to be considered by all MNOs planning next steps with Network Authentication APIs.

• Revenue Opportunities. S&P Global Market Intelligence has published a study that shows 97% of current Revenues from Network APIs come from Anti-Fraud APIs, while only 3% are from NaaS APIs.
• Purchase Additional Network Equipment.  Exposing Anti-Fraud APIs to the market requires no new Network Elements, while NaaS APIs require several new, expensive Network Elements. Industry estimates suggest that Mobile Network Carriers must invest an additional $40 billion in new equipment and software to implement Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solutions.
• Time to Market.  Carriers can start exposing Anti-Fraud APIs quickly since no additional network elements are needed, while Carriers will have to wait 18 months to 2 years before delivering NaaS APIs if not already installed.

Shush is bullish on Network APIs as we focus only on Anti-Fraud APIs for Mobile Network Operators, which are directly linked to revenue and require no additional network investment.  

Furthermore, Shush brings the other three elements an MNO needs to be successful in the space: (1) a Monetization Platform, (2) Integration services from your network to the Monetization Platform, and (3) Business Operations that care for Privacy, limits liability, pricing guidance for the APIs, and contractual experience to connect to the Demand ecosystem. These three elements make up the core foundation of a Network Authentication business - not just another OEM box. At Shush, we are dedicated to building a successful Network Authentication business for each of our MNO clients. 

The time to act is now. By embracing the next generation of network authentication solutions, we can lead the charge toward a more secure, efficient, and profitable future.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this in greater detail and explore how Shush Inc. can partner with your organization to drive this innovation forward.

Sincerely,
Eddie DeCurtis
Co-Founder & CEO, Shush Inc.

Supporting Data from S&P Global Market Intelligence

The Growing Challenge of Network Authentication

If you’re a professional, expert, or product leader at a mobile network operator (MNO), you’ve probably been losing sleep over network security lately. With the rise of sophisticated cyber-attacks, keeping your network safe has become a top priority.  The rise of SIM swap attacks should be particularly concerning to Infosec leaders at MNOs. But it’s not just about security anymore—it’s also about customer trust, experience, and staying ahead in a competitive market. 

This article will walk you through the best practices for network authentication, offering practical, actionable insights that you can start applying today. Plus, we'll explore how integrating a solution can streamline your efforts, making your job easier and your network more secure.

Market Landscape: Trends and Challenges in Network Authentication

Network authentication has never been more critical. As mobile devices become the primary method for users to access banking, ride-sharing, crypto trading, social media, and enterprise apps, the need for robust authentication mechanisms has skyrocketed. Add to that the fact that cyber threats are evolving at a breakneck pace, and you’ve got a recipe for sleepless nights. 

One of the most significant challenges MNOs face today is the threat of SIM swap attacks. These attacks, where fraudsters hijack a user's mobile number by tricking the carrier to transfer the number to a new SIM card, have become increasingly common. 

Just recently, several high-profile cases hit the news where consumers lost thousands of dollars because of SIM swap fraud. One recent high-profile SIM swap fraud attack occurred in Toronto, where ten individuals were arrested on August 1, 2024. This case involved over 1,500 compromised cellular accounts, leading to more than $1 million in losses. 

The investigation, dubbed “Project Disrupt,” began in June 2023 and uncovered widespread fraud that affected telecom companies, financial institutions, and individual consumers.

It’s clear that the stakes are high, and the need for secure, reliable network authentication is more urgent than ever. Recently in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission  (FCC) has taken steps to thwart future SIM swap attacks with a federal mandate. At the November 15, 2023, Open Meeting, the FCC adopted a Report and Order implementing new rules to protect cell phone consumers from SIM swap and port-out fraud, two practices that bad actors use to take control of consumers’ cell phones. This new order requires all MNOs in the US to disclose their secure authentication methods to the committee by July 8, 2024. 

On the bright side, emerging technologies and standards are offering new ways to enhance network security.  Silent Authentication, which uses network attributes that only the MNOs possess, offers a new way of confirming the mobile device requesting access to a third-party service is under the control of the rightful owner, not a fraudster.   

Authentication in Network Security: Why It Matters and Common Threats

Network authentication is the first line of defense in keeping unauthorized users out of your network. It’s how you ensure that the person or device trying to access your network is who they say they are. But as important as it is, authentication is also one of the most challenging aspects of network security to get right.

Let’s talk about some of the most common threats:

1.   SIM Swap Fraud: As mentioned earlier, this type of fraud has been on the rise, causing significant financial losses for consumers and headaches for MNOs.
2.   Phishing Attacks: Despite all the warnings, phishing remains a major problem. Fraudsters trick users into giving up their login credentials, which they then use to gain unauthorized access to networks.
3.   Credential Stuffing: Hackers use lists of stolen usernames and passwords to gain access to multiple accounts, taking advantage of the fact that many people reuse passwords across different services.

These threats are constantly evolving, which means your authentication methods need to be adaptable and resilient.

Strategic Framework: Implementing Network Authentication

To effectively implement network authentication, it’s crucial to develop a strategy that’s both comprehensive and flexible. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Silent Authentication - This method is the flagship of network authentication use cases. It provides a complete, seamless, and silent authentication process. In this flow, the mobile device IP address is confirmed mutually between the mobile app publisher and the MNO. If the IP address matches, then device ownership is confirmed and the transaction should proceed. 
2. SIM Swap - When a bank or other institution needs to confirm the device receiving an SMS 2FA code belongs to the rightful owner of the device, a SIM Swap date check greatly reduces the chance of fraud. If the result of this inquiry shows that the SIM has been reseated within the last 24/48/72 hours, it’s very likely that the device has been compromised. 
3. Device Status - The MNO has valuable information regarding the activation, billing and operational status of the device. This request provides a critical assessment of the status of the mobile device. This request confirms the device has not been reported as lost, stolen or is in a blocked state.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as an OTP code sent over SMS. However, it is critical that this isn't the only security method used.
5.  Zero Trust Architecture: In a Zero Trust model, no one inside or outside the network is trusted by default. Every request is authenticated, authorized, and encrypted, regardless of where it originates.
6. KYC validation - Network admins should integrate KYC validation into user onboarding and ongoing authentication processes by using automated systems for identity verification and document validation. It's essential to comply with relevant regulations, ensure data security through encryption and access controls, and maintain clear communication with users about the KYC process. Regular audits and updates are crucial for staying compliant and secure. Finally, having a plan for detecting fraud and responding to data breaches is vital.
7. Regular Audits and Updates: The threat landscape is always changing, so your network authentication strategy should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains effective.

By following these best practices, MNOs can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and enhance overall network security.

Product Development and Integration: Key Considerations

When it comes to integrating network authentication into your services, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

1.   User Experience: As important as security is, it should never come at the expense of the user experience. A clunky, confusing authentication process will frustrate users and lead to higher churn rates. The goal is to make authentication as invisible as possible while maintaining a high level of security. Methods that require zero user interaction should be implemented as a priority. Examples include Silent Authentication, SIM Swap and Device Status.
2.   Scalability: Your authentication solution should be able to grow with your business. Whether you’re adding new services, expanding into new markets, or dealing with an influx of new users, your network authentication should be able to handle it all.
3.   Compliance: Different markets have different regulations regarding data security and privacy. Your authentication solution needs to be flexible enough to comply with these regulations, no matter where you operate.

The Best Solution for Network Authentication

At this point, you might be wondering, "How can we implement all this without turning the business upside down?" That’s where Shush comes in.

Shush offers a comprehensive network authentication solution that’s not only secure but also incredibly user-friendly. Here’s what sets Shush apart:

• Domain Expertise: The Shush Chief Product Officer, Jon Morrow, crafted a best-in-class service within T-Mobile USA over the last several years. He is now at Shush developing a best-in-class cloud agnostics platform deployable within the trusted domain of any MNO.  Shush understands what the market needs from brands and banks to global MNOs . 
• No Upfront Cost: We understand the capital constraints within MNOs. As a result, Shush bears the costs of the platform, technical integration, and operation - so there are no upfront costs by our partners. In addition to offering our Self-Service Network Auth SaaS solution, Shush offers a Managed Service Model where all operations are handled by our team which allows Network Authentication to become a revenue center versus a capital expenditure.
• Seamless Integration: Shush Sherlock is designed to integrate with existing API gateways which facilitate authentication, throttling and rate limiting. API gateways facilitate the northbound interactions between Demand partners (CPaaS providers ) and Shush Sherlock platform. Shush Sherlock then integrates with telco-native APIs to retrieve the network elements needed for real-time network authentication use cases.
• Scalable and Flexible: Whether you’re a small MNO or a large enterprise, Shush scales with your needs. Plus, we don’t charge MNOs to use our technology—we offer a managed service where our team handles everything, from billing to support, to operations.
• Proven Track Record: Numerous MNOs have successfully integrated Shush into their network security infrastructure. Case studies and testimonials highlight how Shush has helped them enhance their security, reduce fraud, and improve user trust.
• Compliance-Ready: Shush is designed to meet the stringent security and privacy requirements of any market, ensuring you stay compliant while keeping your network secure.

Security Protocols: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Compliance

Mitigating risks is all about being proactive rather than reactive. Here are some tips:

• Regular Security Audits: Regularly audit your network for vulnerabilities and ensure that your authentication methods are up to date.
• User Education: Educate your users about the importance of strong, unique passwords and how to spot phishing attempts.
• Compliance Monitoring: Keep up to date with industry standards and regulations to ensure your network remains compliant.

Marketing and Positioning: Network Authentication as a Value-Added Service

Finally, let’s talk about how to position network authentication as a value-added service.

1. Highlight the Benefits: Focus on how your network authentication solution enhances security and user trust. Use real-world examples, like those recent SIM swap attacks, to show the importance of robust authentication.
2.  Leverage Case Studies: Share success stories from MNOs that have successfully integrated network authentication solutions like Shush. These stories can be powerful tools in convincing potential clients of the value of your services.
3. Communicate Clearly: Avoid technical jargon when marketing your network authentication services. Instead, focus on how they solve real-world problems for your clients.

Final Thoughts

Network authentication is a critical component of any MNO’s security strategy. With the increasing number of threats out there, it’s essential to have a solution that’s both effective and user-friendly. 

Shush offers a proven, scalable, and compliant network authentication solution that takes the hassle out of securing your network. Instead of reinventing the wheel, why not trust Shush to help you protect your network and your users? 

Remember, in today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. By implementing the strategies and best practices discussed in this article, and by leveraging a trusted partner like Shush, you can ensure your network remains secure and your users stay happy.

Discover the alarming trend of bank fraud where accounts are compromised through the use of mobile phone replacement SIM cards.

The Rise of Mobile Phone Replacement SIM Card Fraud

Mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud is a growing trend in the world of bank fraud. This method involves fraudsters obtaining a replacement SIM card for the victim's mobile phone without their knowledge or consent. With this new SIM card, the fraudsters gain access to the victim's phone number and can intercept any calls or messages intended for the victim.

The rise of this type of fraud can be attributed to the increasing reliance on mobile phones for various banking activities. Many banks now offer options for mobile banking, such as receiving transaction notifications and authorizing payments through SMS. This convenience also opens up opportunities for fraudsters to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.

Fraudsters use various tactics to obtain a replacement SIM card for the victim's phone. They may impersonate the victim and claim that their phone has been lost or stolen, or they may pose as a representative from the victim's mobile service provider and request a replacement SIM card for a different reason. In some cases, the fraudsters may even bribe or collude with employees of the mobile service provider to carry out the SIM card replacement.

Once the fraudsters have the replacement SIM card, they can effectively take control of the victim's phone number. They can receive any calls or messages intended for the victim, including one-time passwords or verification codes sent by banks for authentication purposes. With this information, the fraudsters can bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to the victim's bank accounts.

ASB technology and operations executive general manager David Bullock explains how a common phishing scam works.

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How Fraudsters Gain Access to Accounts

Fraudsters have developed various methods to gain access to bank accounts using mobile phone replacement SIM cards. One common technique is known as SIM swapping, where the fraudster contacts the victim's mobile service provider and requests a SIM card replacement. The fraudster may use social engineering tactics to convince the provider that they are the legitimate account holder.

Once the fraudster has control of the victim's phone number, they can carry out a range of fraudulent activities. They can intercept SMS messages containing one-time passwords or verification codes sent by banks and use them to access the victim's accounts. They can also make unauthorized transactions or transfer funds to their own accounts.

Another method used by fraudsters is phishing. They may send fake emails or messages to the victim, pretending to be from their bank or another trusted organization. These messages often contain links that lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal the victim's login credentials or other sensitive information. Once the fraudsters have this information, they can easily gain access to the victim's bank accounts.

Fraudsters may also exploit vulnerabilities in mobile banking apps or other banking systems. They may use malware or other malicious software to gain unauthorized access to the victim's device or intercept sensitive data. It is crucial for individuals to keep their mobile devices and banking apps updated with the latest security patches to minimize the risk of such attacks.

Impact on Victims and Banks

The impact of mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud can be devastating for both victims and banks. For victims, this type of fraud can result in financial loss, identity theft, and a significant amount of stress and inconvenience. They may find unauthorized transactions on their bank statements or receive notifications of changes to their accounts that they did not authorize.

Victims may also face challenges when trying to resolve the issue and recover their funds. They may need to contact their bank, provide evidence of the fraudulent activity, and go through a lengthy investigation process. In some cases, victims may not be able to recover their lost funds, especially if the fraudsters have already withdrawn or transferred the money to untraceable accounts.

For banks, mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud poses a risk to their reputation and customer trust. If customers feel that their accounts are not secure, they may choose to switch to a different bank or reduce their usage of mobile banking services. This can lead to financial losses for the banks and a decline in customer satisfaction.

Banks also incur costs associated with investigating and resolving fraud cases. They need to allocate resources to enhance security measures and educate their customers about the risks of mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud. This includes providing guidance on how to detect and report fraudulent activities, as well as implementing additional authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access to accounts.

Preventative Measures to Safeguard Your Account

To protect yourself from mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud and safeguard your bank accounts, it is important to take certain preventative measures. Here are some tips to consider:

- Keep your mobile device secure by setting a strong passcode or using biometric authentication.

- Enable two-factor authentication for your banking apps and services. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your login credentials.

- Regularly monitor your bank accounts and review your transaction history. Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

- Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls or messages asking for personal or financial information. Do not provide any sensitive information unless you have verified the legitimacy of the request.

- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. These could be phishing attempts.

- Keep your mobile service provider informed about any changes to your account, such as updating your contact information or requesting a SIM card replacement. This can help prevent unauthorized SIM swaps.

- Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud techniques. Educate yourself about the risks and how to protect against them.

Legal Actions and Consequences for Fraudsters

Mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud is a serious crime with legal consequences. If caught, fraudsters can face various charges, including identity theft, unauthorized access to computer systems, and financial fraud. The penalties for these crimes can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction in which it is prosecuted.

In addition to legal actions, banks and law enforcement agencies work together to identify and track down fraudsters involved in mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud. They may conduct investigations, collect evidence, and collaborate with international authorities to dismantle criminal networks.

It is important for individuals to report any incidents of mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud to their local law enforcement agencies and their bank. By reporting these crimes, victims can help authorities gather information and build cases against the fraudsters. It is also crucial to cooperate with banks during the investigation process to increase the chances of recovering any lost funds.

By holding fraudsters accountable for their actions, society can send a strong message that mobile phone replacement SIM card fraud will not be tolerated. This can help deter potential fraudsters and protect individuals and banks from falling victim to these types of crimes.

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Learn about the dangers of cell phone SIM card swaps and how to protect yourself from online threats.

Understanding Cell Phone SIM Card Swaps

WASHINGTON (7News) — 7News is asking a security question that deals with your cell phone. How did a Maryland woman lose $17,000 even though she had two-factor authentication on all her accounts?

We all know criminals have multiple ways to steal your identity, but 7News is sending out a warning. SIM card swapping almost cost Sharon Hussey of Bethesda, Md. thousands.

"It was absolutely stunning. My heart dropped to the floor,” said Sharon Hussey.

It all started when Hussey got an email thanking her for the purchase of a new phone at Verizon. Minutes later her contact information at Bank of America had changed.

The problem? She didn't do either transaction and had two-factor authentication on her accounts.

"And the bottom just kind of dropped out,” added Hussey.

She called Bank of America, but her cell phone was no longer active. An online attempt required a verification code her phone couldn't receive.

Within minutes, her $17,000 was gone.

 

 

"Initially, I didn't realize how big of a deal it was. I thought I had handled it on the first day by calling the bank, calling Verizon. Figuring things out,” said Hussey.

Hussey told 7News that Verizon said someone in California walked into one of its stores and purchased a new phone along with a new SIM card and used Hussey's current phone number to activate the new phone.

When the new phone was turned on Hussey's phone went dead.

 

Hussey used a landline to contact Bank of America, but it was too late. Her $17,000 was gone.

"And I have two-factor identification which ended up biting me in the face when it all came down to it. That was the thing that completely hijacked everything. They had complete control of my phone and there was nothing I could do about it,” said Hussey.

SIM card swapping has been around for the past four years, but security experts told 7News that the scale of this type of scam has recently skyrocketed.

"In 2021, roughly six times as many dollars were stolen through this as the years before,” said Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail.

Quilici said the scam is simple.

"The bad guys convince the telephone company that they have the SIM for your phone number and the minute the phone company does the swap they are in control of your number,” said Quilici.

Scammers then use two-factor authentication through your cell phone to access your accounts.

"If you've been doing two-factor authentication everywhere to your mobile phone number, if someone else gets that mobile phone number they can authenticate as if they are you,” said Quilici.

Over the next three months, Bank of America denied her claim saying it can't be honored.

Eventually, the bank reversed its initial decision and refunded the $17,000.

Bank of America told 7News in an email:

"We take identity theft very seriously. We are always working to improve the experience knowing that resolving identity theft issues is a complicated process.

For future reference/stories, here’s the Zelle scam avoidance information I mentioned: Pay It Safe | Zelle (zellepay.com).

Naomi R. Patton

Media Relations, Bank of America"

Verizon said in an email:

"Verizon values the privacy and security of our customers. Whenever a case of potential fraud is brought to our attention, we work quickly to investigate and resolve the matter. Due to customer privacy laws, we cannot share specific information about this particular investigation.

You can learn more about sim swapping and other types of social engineering tactics employed by fraudsters here (plus tips on what folks can do to protect themselves): https://www.verizon.com/about/account-security/sim-swapping

Thanks,

Steve Van Dinter

Director, Local Area Communications"

 

Here are more ways you can better protect yourself from SIM card swapping.

"The number one thing is to make sure you get a PIN or a number porting PIN with your carrier. That requires a special code that hopefully only you have that needs to be given to the carrier before they do the SIM swap,” said Quilici.

Learn how to safeguard your valuable data from cyber threats with this comprehensive guide on cybersecurity.

Understanding Cybersecurity Threats

Understanding Cybersecurity Threats is crucial in today's digital landscape. Cyber threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, making it important for individuals and businesses to stay informed and prepared. By understanding the different types of threats, such as malware, phishing, and ransomware, you can better protect yourself and your data.

One common cybersecurity threat is malware, which refers to malicious software designed to infiltrate and damage computer systems. Malware can be spread through infected email attachments, downloads from untrusted websites, or even malicious ads. It is important to have antivirus software installed and regularly updated to detect and remove malware.

Phishing is another prevalent cybersecurity threat. Phishing attacks involve tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, by posing as a trustworthy entity. These attacks often come in the form of deceptive emails or fake websites. It is important to be cautious when clicking on links or providing personal information online.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. This can result in the loss of important data and financial loss. It is crucial to regularly back up your data to prevent losing it to ransomware attacks.

By understanding these cybersecurity threats and staying informed about emerging threats, you can take proactive steps to protect your valuable data.

Implementing Strong Password Security Measures

Implementing strong password security measures is essential to protecting your data. Weak passwords can be easily cracked by attackers, compromising the security of your accounts and sensitive information. Follow these best practices to create strong passwords:

- Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

- Avoid using common words or phrases that can be easily guessed.

- Use a unique password for each of your accounts.

- Regularly update your passwords to ensure maximum security.

In addition to strong passwords, consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. 2FA requires users to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their password.

By implementing strong password security measures and using 2FA, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts and sensitive data.

Utilizing Secure Networks and VPNs

Utilizing secure networks and virtual private networks (VPNs) is crucial for protecting your data, especially when accessing the internet from public Wi-Fi networks or while traveling.

Public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure and can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or personal emails, while connected to public Wi-Fi. Instead, use a secure network or a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and ensure your data remains private and secure.

A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and the internet by encrypting your data and routing it through a remote server. This helps protect your data from being intercepted or monitored by malicious actors. When using a VPN, choose a reputable provider and make sure to connect to trusted servers.

By utilizing secure networks and VPNs, you can significantly enhance the security of your online activities and protect your data from potential threats.

Educating Yourself and Your Team on Cybersecurity Best Practices

Educating yourself and your team on cybersecurity best practices is essential for maintaining a strong security posture.

Start by staying informed about the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and best practices. Follow reputable sources, such as cybersecurity blogs, news websites, and industry reports, to keep up-to-date with the evolving landscape.

Regularly train yourself and your team on cybersecurity awareness. This can include topics such as recognizing phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and identifying suspicious online behavior. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to potential threats, you can greatly reduce the risk of successful cyber attacks.

Consider conducting simulated phishing exercises to test the awareness and response of your team. These exercises can help identify areas for improvement and reinforce good cybersecurity practices.

By continuously educating yourself and your team on cybersecurity best practices, you can create a culture of security and minimize the risk of cyber attacks.

Backing Up Your Data Regularly

Backing up your data regularly is crucial for ensuring its availability and protection in the event of a cyber attack or hardware failure.

Choose a reliable backup solution that suits your needs, whether it's an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or a combination of both. Regularly schedule automatic backups to ensure that your data is consistently backed up without any manual effort.

It is recommended to follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: have at least three copies of your data, stored on two different storage media, with one copy stored offsite. This helps protect against data loss caused by hardware failures, natural disasters, or cyber attacks.

Regularly test your backups to ensure they are functioning correctly and can be restored when needed. Keep in mind that a backup is only effective if it can be successfully restored.

By backing up your data regularly and following best practices, you can minimize the impact of data loss and quickly recover from potential cyber incidents.