How a trivial cell phone hack is ruining lives

https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/28/cell-phone-hack-is-ruining-lives-identity-theft/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Violet Blue
06.28.19

•••••

Both men were victims of SIM-swap attacks, where someone uses pieces of personal information to convince your cell service provider to transfer (port) your number and associated phone account to a device in the attacker's possession. With control of your phone number and account, they proceed to break into all connected accounts, usually beginning with email. The attacker changes info in your accounts so you can't get them back, sets up email forwarding in case you regain control of your email, and goes through all your cloud-stored documents looking for things of value.

•••••