By enabling SIM lock, individuals can protect their devices from unauthorised use and ensure that even if the device falls into the wrong hands, the perpetrator will not be able to make calls, send messages or access sensitive data.
To protect your SIM card from others using it for phone calls or cellular data, you can use a SIM PIN. Then, every time you restart your device or remove the SIM card, your SIM card will automatically lock and you'll see "Locked SIM" in the status bar. Don't try to guess your SIM PIN.
The only way to protect the information on your SIM card is through the SIM PIN. While you can choose to keep the default SIM PIN set by your mobile operator, it is better from a security perspective to change it to a new PIN that only you know.
If the cell phone is locked, it means that it will only work on one specific network. Consequently, if you insert a SIM card that is from a different carrier, it will simply not work.
You can remove a SIM lock on your Android device in simple ways. You can look for your carrier's contact and ask them to give you an unlock code to bypass a SIM lock. But this happens only if the SIM card is locked to a network. You can still use an IMEI number or input a PUK code.
A SIM can only be tracked by the carrier. If it's blocked (can't connect to the network), not even the carrier can track it. (“Tracking” a SIM by typing something on your PC is TV fiction, it's not reality.)
A carrier-imposed “lock” is a software code that prevents your phone from working on another cellular network. With an “unlocked” phone, on the other hand, you can get service with any carrier on a compatible network — and that's just one of the benefits of an unlocked phone.
Finally, SIM jacking, also known as SIM swapping or SIM hijacking, is a form of attack that involves the hacker accessing the victim's mobile device in order to take control of their SIM card. This is done by sending spyware code to the phone to break into the device.
The most reliable way to check if your device is unlocked is by swapping your current SIM card for another carrier's SIM card. Depending on the make and model of your device, you may need a SIM card eject pin or something similar to remove your SIM.
Can you just swap SIM cards between phones? Yes, you can switch SIM cards between phones as long as they are compatible with the same carrier network. Your SIM card should also be compatible with the new phone in terms of size (micro, nano, and standard size).
To protect against SIM attacks, you should also set up some protections on your SIM card. The most important security measure you can implement is to add a PIN code. This way, if anyone wants to modify your SIM card, they need the PIN code.
The Sim Lock is not the same thing as Carrier Lock. Sim Lock,. simply means the actual SIM card is what is locked, not your iPhone. If your iPhone were locked and you insert a sim from a carrier that is different to the one it is locked to, it would say Sim not supported, not sim locked.
Lock your phone number with your service provider
Once activated, you can't port your number to another line or carrier unless you remove the lock, either with a PIN or by walking into the store. If your carrier allows this feature, it's an excellent way to beef up your SIM protection.
The process can take up to two business days, but once it's done, you're free to take the phone to another wireless carrier. To be clear, this doesn't cancel your service; it just gives you the option to move to a new provider with your current phone.
Code to verify if your phone is being tracked
Use these codes if you suspect cybercriminals are tapping or tracking your Android — enter *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* via the dialer pad.
Protecting your bank account from potential hackers is an ongoing battle in our increasingly digital world. Cybersecurity in banking is no longer an option, it's a necessity. With just your phone number, a cybercriminal might attempt to gain unauthorized access to your account.
Fraudsters can try to access your online accounts (i.e., social media or banking) using your phone number. They can send a password reset to your phone and even trick automated systems into thinking they are you.
While unlocked phones offer additional functionality and freedom, they also aren't as secure as locked phones. Furthermore, there's nothing stopping a user from accidentally misusing an unlocked phone or downloading a harmful app.
A PUK code is a 'Personal Unlocking Key' (it is also sometimes referred to as a PUC code: 'Personal Unlocking Code'). It is used to reset the PIN number on a phone if the protective software was triggered to lock the SIM card or handset.
Description: Two kinds of SIM lock mode differ in that the fixed lock is only suitable for the SIM card of a specified carrier, while the active lock can not only work with a specified carrier, but also have a restriction on carrier after unlocking.