Glossary
SIM swap
SIM swap: A SIM swap is an attack in which a scammer convinces your phone carrier to move your number to their phone, so that they receive your calls and text-message login codes.
Updated February 1, 2027
An example
Your phone suddenly loses service; within an hour your bank and email passwords are reset using codes sent to "your" number.
Why it matters to you
A SIM swap defeats text-based two-factor authentication. Add an account PIN and port-out lock at your carrier, and use an authenticator app or passkey instead of text codes.
Where to go next
See also
- Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a second check at login, usually a code from an app or a text, so that a stolen password alone is not enough to get in.
- Authenticator app
An authenticator app generates the six-digit login codes used for two-factor authentication on your phone, without needing a text message.