SIM CARD CLONING

SIM cloning is the process in which a legitimate SIM card is duplicated. When the cloning is completed, the cloned SIM card’s identifying information is transferred onto a separate, secondary SIM card. The secondary card can then be used in a different phone while having all calls and associated charges attributed to the original SIM card. The phrase SIM clone is often used to refer to the SIM card that has been successfully duplicated.

Engaging in activities that can result in a SIM clone is illegal. In the 1990s, companies that provided cellular services recognized the problems that SIM cloning presented and began to take measures to thwart the cloning business. New security measures such as embedding security operations make obtaining a SIM clone more difficult. Now, if a SIM card detects that cloning has been engaged, the SIM card can render itself inoperable.

Whereas a few years ago cloning could be done by radio, people must now have physical access to the original SIM card. It’s worth distinguishing between “cloning” a phone’s data – which spy apps semi-legally offer as a way to spy on the photos, texts, and calls of another device – and totally illegal phone cloning, which refers to the copying of a phone’s complete cellular identity and using it in another device.

SIM swapping occurs when someone contacts your wireless carrier and is able to convince the call center employee that they are, in fact, you, using your personal data. 

They do this by using data that are often exposed in hacks, data breaches, or information you publicly share on social networks to track the call center employee into switching the SIM card linked to your phone number, and replacing it with a SIM card in their possession. 

Once your phone number is assigned to a new card, all of your incoming calls and text messages will be routed to whatever phone the new SIM card is in. 

At first glance, it seems somewhat harmless. But when you consider that most of us have our phone numbers linked to our bank, email, and social media accounts, you quickly begin to see how easy it would be for someone with access to your phone number to take over your entire online presence. 

Though the techniques are different, the end result of SIM swapping and SIM cloning is the same: a compromised mobile device. Once this happens, the victim’s device can no longer make calls or send and receive text messages. The SIM Cloning activity may not be harmful but the safest mode is to set a secure password with high alert and awareness.