Company News
Has Your Mobile Number Been Hacked? What Every Business Customer Should Know (And do).
Nick Moore Chief Technical Officer
As your trusted supplier of business mobile contracts, we take security seriously. One of the growing threats today is the “SIM swap” attack — where a bad actor effectively hijacks your mobile number. Once they control your number, they can intercept calls, texts, and one-time passcodes, giving them access to bank, email, or other sensitive accounts.
We want you to be aware of the warning signs, know what to do if it happens, and take precautions to reduce the risk.
What Is a SIM Swap / Mobile Number Hijack?
Here’s how attackers usually do it:
- They gather personal details about you (via phishing, data breaches, social media, public records).
- They contact your mobile operator posing as you, claiming your SIM is lost or you need to activate a new one.
- The operator transfers your phone number to a new SIM (in the attacker’s hands).
- Your original device goes offline — no calls or texts — and the attacker begins intercepting security codes, password resets, and alerts.
In this way, your number becomes a gateway for them to take over your digital identity.
Unfortunately, it is also on the rise. In the UK, Cifas reported a 1,055% rise in unauthorized SIM swap fraud cases from the previous year, increasing from 289 in 2023 to nearly 3,000 by 2024.
Warning Signs You Might Be Under Attack
You don’t always get a clear alert — but here are red flags to watch for:
- Your phone suddenly shows “No Service” while others nearby have full signal.
- You receive a “SIM transfer” or “SIM activated” SMS that you didn’t request.
- You lose access to accounts: correct passwords stop working (because recovery info may have been changed).
- Unexplained data or app usage, unknown apps installed, or strange messages being sent from your number.
- Alerts from your bank or online services about failed logins, new device access, or password reset requests.
If you see any of these, treat them seriously — it could already be in progress.
What To Do Immediately (If You Think Your Number Has Been Hijacked)
If you suspect a SIM swap has happened (or is happening), act fast:
- Contact us immediately
- Call us and report that your number has been transferred without consent.
- We will suspend the service, cancel the transfer, and issue a new SIM.
- We can set up account-level PIN / protection so that a SIM swap cannot be done easily in future or assign approvals to a designated individual(s).
- Secure your financial and critical accounts
- Inform your bank or credit card provider, ask for fraud monitoring / freezes if needed.
- Where possible, switch from SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) to app-based 2FA (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator) or hardware tokens.
- Change passwords and recovery settings on your email, social media, and other key accounts.
- Check your device for malware
- Run a full antivirus or malware scan.
- If things still seem wrong, back up data and perform a factory reset, then only reinstall trusted apps.
- Notify your contacts
- Attackers may use your number to reach out to colleagues / clients, pretending to be you. Let contacts know not to trust unusual messages (especially involving money or requests).
Long-Term Precautions: How You Can Reduce Risk
Prevention is always better than cure. Below are steps we strongly recommend all our business customers take:
- Use non-SMS 2FA wherever possible
App-based authenticators or hardware tokens are far more secure because they don’t depend on your phone number. - Ask us to enable extra protection
- Set an account or security PIN that any changes must verify.
- Request a “SIM change lock” or “port-out protection” — this means even if someone requests a change, it requires extra verification.
- Regularly review login history and account activity
Monthly checks for strange device logins, password resets, or bank account transactions can give early warning. - Train employees (if applicable)
- Ensure staff understand SIM swap risk, phishing dangers, and enforce use of secure 2FA on corporate services.
- Monitor credit / fraud alerts
In financial settings, set up alerts for account changes or suspicious behaviour.
How We (Your Provider) Help Protect You
As your business mobile supplier, here’s what we commit to doing / can help you with:
- Offering enhanced security features on your contract (SIM locks, PINs, etc.)
- Advising on best security practices, including recommended 2FA tools and account hygiene
- Rapid response support if you believe your number is compromised
- Education & awareness — regular alerts to customers about current mobile security risks
If at any point you suspect your mobile number (linked to your business or personally) is at risk or has been compromised, contact us immediately. We can help facilitate the SIM recovery process and assist with preventative measures.
