It is increasingly common for online services to use security methods additional to the password system to authenticate user accounts. One of them is the telephone number.
An authentication system based on the telephone number ensures that the holder of an account linked to a certain number proves that he is the owner by entering, in addition to the password, a code received by SMS or phone call.
And this often applies to online shopping, banking, social media management, and many more online activities.
But despite being a robust system, it has its vulnerable side that manifests itself when telephone equipment is stolen.
It is known that the first thing thieves do is try to empty money from bank accounts or make online purchases that often require telephone verification.
Since it is very possible that the stolen phone has some screen lock unknown to them or a biometric lock, their strategy is to put the SIM card in another phone and act as normal.
That is why for these extreme situations, experts recommend using a fairly simple security strategy: blocking the SIM card with a security PIN. In this way, when inserted into a new telephone equipment, the security PIN, known only to the owner of the line, will necessarily be required.
Luckily, SIM cards have a locking system based on a four-digit code or PIN. This information is printed on its original packaging, although it is also known by the telephone operator. Here’s how to do it on an iPhone and Android phone.
How to activate the SIM PIN on iPhone
Go to Settings > Cellular network and select the SIM PIN option. Activate the SIM PIN option and enter the PIN.
How to activate the SIM PIN on Android
Go to Settings > Security and select SIM card lock. Activate this option and enter the security PIN. The next step: change the SIM PIN.
Since operators usually assign default values to the PIN codes of their SIM cards, it is best to change them to custom values. This option is available from the same PIN activation menu.
Just make sure you assign a new PIN that you can easily remember. This way you will avoid future blocks and subsequent calls to your operator to request the forgotten information.