Why SMS is vulnerable by design, possible alternative | Onlinesim

The SMS function has fallen victim to its success over time. For a dozen years, consumers, along with businesses, relied only on the universal availability and simplicity of SMS. The successful technology has not long remained as powerful as it was at first. Today, secure alternatives for protecting user phone numbers are available, as well as strengthening the position of SMS through user authentication options.

Both the average consumer and the enterprise trust the SMS function because it is affordable and accessible. This is why text SMS is a definite target for fraudsters. However, there are safe phone number options for properly securing yourself against fraud.

Hackers aren't shy about hacking into large commercial institutions, not just ordinary users. New device security and technology methods continue to evolve, but it's not always enough. Two-factor authentication (2FA) makes it harder for attackers to crack user passwords, suggesting that some form of 2FA protection is better than none.

The emergence of SMS as a function. Features of technology

The vulnerability that caused many problems for users with SMS was related to the Signaling System 7 protocol and the set of rules that companies apply during SMS calls from one telephone network to all other networks. The Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocol first appeared in 1975. Let's add that SS7 is not intended for authentication.

More recently, companies have relied on SMS text as an additional layer of 2FA security besides usernames and passwords. To detect that a user is who they appear to be, companies send a text message to users' numbers with a one-time extra code. The user's account task is to enter the code from the company from the SMS text and their regular password to confirm their identity.

Alas, hackers have learned to circumvent many problems. They use open-source software to code interfaces with SS7 to intercept SMSs from companies to users. The hacker has access to the victim's account by getting an SMS verification code from the company, username, and password. By hacking SS7, the hacker manages to get the phone number message, and the verification code and eventually obtain all of the user's data.

Hackers can also work according to another scheme. Criminals can skillfully manipulate their victims into clicking on malicious links in phone number SMS messages.

Fraudsters can skillfully manipulate their victims into clicking on malicious links in SMS messages and accounts. As a rule, attackers try to make the user act quickly without thinking about the possible consequences. To do this, they send information about an infected phone number or a special offer, which is valid for a limited time.

SMS phishing usually starts with sending a fake message, for example, about the arrival of a package supposedly from a delivery service, which requires confirmation of identity. After clicking on the link to enter data, the user ends up on a fake site that looks identical to the legitimate one or an infected official company account site.

Since the victim has no suspicion of fraud, they continue to enter personal information such as name, address, and date of birth. After filling out the data, the user is asked to pay a small amount to redeliver the package. To do this, the victim needs to provide certain banking information. The scam ends with the theft of funds from the victim's card and the bank details they had recently entered.

Vulnerability of SMS. How to protect yourself from leaks of confidential information

Experts recommend that users be careful with mobile operator messages to protect themselves from SMS text fraud. Mobile network operators often send SMS text messages, for example, to inform about roaming rates while abroad. However, remember that companies will never ask the user to confirm or provide personal information.

If you see a text asking you to provide a password or other data for security purposes, do not click the link or call the numbers listed. Contact your mobile carrier through the official website or using the online phone number listed on the official website (not the one sent in the SMS) to verify the information.

In addition, experts say that many SMS phishing attacks use unique numbers for convincing that they are free to call. If you call such a number, as a rule, attackers will ask you to "confirm" your data, which can be used to steal money or for other purposes.

In the case of receiving an SMS text message with instructions to block spam, for example, by sending the word "STOP," specialists recommend not to perform any actions. Thus, the attackers connect with a potential victim to further deploy their attacks.

Also dangerous are messages about various "special offers" from supposedly large companies, such as receiving a gift card, which only requires clicking on a link.

Remember that sending such messages is fraudulent activity, trying to deceive you into their trap of stealing your data or money. So before clicking on any links, think about the potential risks to your phone number.

Care should also be taken with messages from banking institutions. Most banking institutions use alerts to inform their customers about various news and confirm transactions. However, banks will never send messages to confirm the validity of passwords or other personal data or ask for this information ostensibly to update their program.

Another method of fraud using SMS phishing is to send a "security message" about an infected device, the purpose of which is to intimidate the user into installing a fake antivirus program or fake text maker. It is worth noting that reputable companies will not promote products in this way. The use of malware that pretends to be a security app is one of the most common types of scams on mobile devices and users' phone numbers.

To minimize the risks of infection, cybersecurity experts advise setting your message phone number to block apps from unknown sources. In addition, for greater security, experts recommend protecting your mobile device with proven antivirus programs that add several additional layers of protection, blocking known phishing attacks and scanning all applications on your phone for malicious activity in real-time.

Possible alternatives for safer verification. Virtual numbers as an option

Let's look at the most common security options via texting and cell phone numbers. What is an authentication code? Examples would be the most popular messaging app WhatsApp and the 2FA option.

Security via WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a prime example of a messaging app where every message transmitted through the network lends itself to encryption. Texting here is very difficult to compromise, so hackers bypass this app.

Using WhatsApp to send and receive a one-time authentication code means avoiding potential risks with SMS text. The whole problem lies in the fact that any message that has been transmitted via WhatsApp will receive a cipher with a unique blocking code, and only the recipient at the other end can unblock it. That is, a third party will not decrypt the phone number message.

The WhatsApp Business solution allows all companies to work with customers directly on WhatsApp, doing a great job of replacing the phone number where the SMS text comes in.

What is a seamless 2FA?

Instead of passwords for authentication, seamless 2FA uses similar SIM card data that mobile networks use in verifying subscribers. That is, by using seamless 2FA on the user's device, authentication is automatic.

Mobile operators use out-of-band data numbers, that is, information sent on a separate channel that does not affect calls to get the mobile number. The rest of the user's data is background verification of the phone's SIM card. Companies can use this method to quickly, easily, and securely authenticate their users without using a code sent via SMS text and multiple social networks.

Virtual numbers from OnlineSim: the best option for every user

OnlineSIM is a virtual phone number call service. Its virtual directories work like regular numbers. Private phone numbers from OnlineSIM are perfect for:

• account registering;
• confirming SMS registration in various apps;
• usage while traveling to other states;
• security of your privacy;
• business needs;
• protection from spam etc.

For authentication in different services, it is worth using the OnlineSim service. This verified site helps users get virtual numbers that receive authentication codes without using their actual phone numbers in their accounts.

OnlineSim works without crashes. It should be remembered that using free applications of the same subject matter is a risk that can result in the loss of all data in the worst case. When choosing between applications to identify a second phone number, pay attention to what data the application collects. Read the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions carefully, so you don't fall for the bait of dubious account service. These situations are very frustrating, especially if you need to create multiple accounts. Use OnlineSim phone numbers if you do not want to worry about the possible consequences. Now you know how to create an account.

Privacy of personal account information is a critical component of the Internet today. Every user needs to keep personal SMS text information private, not become public. The problem, however, is that many users are unaware that they are unintentionally sharing their data. That's why there is a service called OnlineSim.

The site's database has more than 10,000 virtual phone numbers from more than 30 countries. The service is easy to use, and all the information on the site is intuitive. The paid version of using OnlineSim services involves paying to receive SMS per location or renting a number for anonymous SMS receive.

OnlineSim is ideal for those who need to have another verifiable account phone number. Not every service manages to distribute its services to so many countries. For example, the site works in Russia, the United States of America, the Philippines, Australia, the UK, Ukraine, Finland, Latvia, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Norway, Kazakhstan, Germany, Ireland, and others. It is convenient to use the service if the user conducts business in different countries.