If you have been on the Internet for more than a day, you know that a phone number is required almost everywhere. When registering in messengers and social networks, when working with online services, the mobile number is asked for even when trying to start a regular e-mail account. All accounts are linked directly to it, so a person who knows your phone will have no trouble reaching them.
Today, a cell phone number is personal information that is not recommended to be published on the Internet. If a subscriber accidentally or intentionally allows his or her number to spread through the virtual space, he or she may face several problems.
What can happen if you use a private phone number for registrations?
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Fraud
It’s not uncommon for phone number databases of cool companies to be hacked by hackers, an example being the recent hacking of the WhatsApp database, where the personal mobile numbers of millions of users from around the world leaked into the web. The next steps depend on the attacker, there are many of them and it is impossible to predict all of them. A fairly common way of deception is to send phishing emails – the subscriber receives a message with information and a malicious link, after clicking on which the intruder can gain access to your device and personal information.
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Spam messages & calls
Many organizations collect databases of phone numbers to send out advertising messages. Often, after the number is published on the Internet, the subscriber begins to receive regular SMS with an offer to use certain goods or services. The collected numbers are recorded in special databases, so deleting the phone will not solve the problem. The only way to prevent intrusive offers is to create a blacklist on your smartphone. There are many programs designed to reliably filter spam – but again, this does not guarantee complete safety. To get rid of spam completely, people resort to completely replacing the SIM card.
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Threat to privacy
The cell phone number is considered to be a kind of identifier, which sometimes determines the identity of the subscriber. For example, in most messengers it is enough to specify the phone number to see the detailed information about the owner. There is no name, photo and other personal information. Thus, if the subscriber wants to keep the information confidential, it is recommended not to put the number on the Internet, or disable the search function in the messenger by phone number.
Ways to solve the problem of security on the Internet
If you need to publish a number on the Internet (for example, to register an account in a social network or messenger), the best solution is to use a virtual phone number.
For example, the SMS-man platform provides an opportunity to get a virtual phone number to receive SMS for temporary use, which can be used to register on any sites and applications. With a wide range of different countries you can get a phone number with any code, it also helps you to bypass possible regional restrictions and blockages.
To get a virtual phone number you don’t have to provide any personal information and visit a physical office, you can do it online by visiting the provider’s website.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is worth saying that the number itself on the Internet can be a direct threat to its owner. The more personal information in the global network, the more attentive and vigilant should be its owner. That’s why we recommend using a virtual counterpart to keep your personal information safe.