SIM swapping incidents have become more prevalent in recent times, posing a threat to individuals. These attacks involve malicious individuals gaining access to a victim’s phone number, often through social engineering tactics like impersonation, in order to intercept messages and calls intended for the victim. This enables the attacker to obtain two-factor authentication codes for unauthorized access to sensitive accounts.
Similar security features are already in place with other carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and Google Fi to combat such fraudulent activities. AT&T has begun the gradual rollout of the Account Lock feature earlier this year to enhance user protection.
In addition to preventing SIM swapping, the new Account Lock from AT&T also restricts device upgrades and modifications to authorized users and phone numbers.
Users can easily manage the Account Lock feature by accessing the myAT&T app, navigating to Services > Mobile Security > Wireless Account Lock, and selecting the desired accounts to lock or unlock. Upon activation, the primary account holder will receive an email notification of the change, while all active numbers on the account will receive a text message. Account Lock is exclusive to users with primary and secondary access to an AT&T account.
