In today’s digitally interconnected world, personal information like our phone numbers is highly sought after, not just by marketers but also by cybercriminals.
Our phone numbers are often used as a key identifier in various systems, linking us to our social media accounts, banking details, shopping accounts, and more. In the wrong hands, our phone numbers can be used to perpetrate fraud, identity theft, and unwanted solicitations.
Securing your real phone number online is crucial. Every time we enter our phone number online, we risk exposing it to potential threats.
Hackers can use your phone number to bypass security measures, gain access to your private accounts, or even as a stepping stone to gather more personal information about you. Telemarketers and spammers can flood you with unwanted calls and messages.
Moreover, once your phone number falls into the wrong hands, regaining control and privacy can be challenging and stressful. Thus, understanding the importance of protecting our phone numbers, and taking necessary steps to do so, is vital for maintaining our digital privacy and security.
By being proactive, we can significantly reduce the risks and ensure our online experiences remain safe and secure.
Here are some ways to protect your number:
Limit Sharing: Only give out your number to trusted individuals and necessary services. When possible, try not to publicly list your phone number.
Avoid Inputting Number Online:
If a website or service asks for your phone number, consider whether it’s absolutely necessary. Can you proceed without giving your phone number? If you must, ensure that the website or service is secure and reputable.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Enable 2FA for accounts linked to your phone number. This adds an additional layer of security.
Use Temporary Numbers:
Use virtual phone numbers (e.g., Google Voice) when registering for services online. This can help keep your actual number private. These are called temporary numbers, disposable and non-VoIP phone numbers. You can get this opportunity by using non-VoIP number app.
Beware of Phishing:
Don’t respond to unsolicited messages or calls asking for your personal information. Remember, legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information through these channels.
National Do Not Call Registry:
Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry (or your country’s equivalent) to reduce telemarketing calls.
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you receive suspicious calls or messages, report them to your service provider and the appropriate authorities.
Secure Your Voicemail:
Set up a password for your voicemail to prevent unauthorized access.
Mobile Carrier Privacy Settings:
Review your mobile carrier’s privacy settings and adjust them to your comfort level.
Remember, once your phone number is out there, it can be difficult to control who has access to it. Being cautious from the start can help prevent a lot of potential issues.
Author Tips:
Using virtual numbers can be a safer option compared to using your real phone number, especially when signing up for online services, but it’s important to understand the benefits and potential risks.
Benefits of Virtual Numbers:
Privacy: Virtual numbers can protect your real phone number from being exposed to potential spam, fraud, or abuse.
Control: Some virtual number services allow you to easily block numbers, filter calls, or even dispose of the number if it starts receiving too many unwanted calls or messages.
Flexibility: Virtual numbers often come with additional features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, text messaging, etc. You can also choose a number in a different area code or even a different country.
Potential Risks:
Dependence on Provider: Your virtual number’s security and privacy depend largely on the provider. Some might have stronger security measures than others. Ensure that you use a reputable service.
Data Collection: Some virtual number providers may collect data on your calls and messages. It’s important to read the provider’s privacy policy to understand what data they collect and how they use and protect it.
Availability: Depending on the provider, there might be some restrictions on where and how you can use your virtual number. For instance, some services might not allow you to use a virtual number for two-factor authentication.
In conclusion, the importance of securing our real phone number online cannot be overstated. As one of our most frequently used personal identifiers, our phone numbers have become a gateway to our digital lives. The risks associated with the misuse of phone numbers range from mere nuisances, like unsolicited marketing calls, to severe implications, such as identity theft and financial loss.
In an age where personal data can be weaponized for cybercrime, taking proactive steps to secure our phone numbers is not only prudent but necessary. Whether it’s using virtual phone numbers, limiting the sharing of our real numbers, or employing two-factor authentication, these measures go a long way in safeguarding our digital identities.