Add a PIN to Your Smartphone Account
If you have a password set up on your phone and SMS-based two-factor authentication set up on your smartphone plan, you might think that you are sufficiently safe from hackers.
While you are doing much better than others, your phone – and all the accounts you’ve linked to it – are actually still vulnerable to attackers. In a recent story, Buzzfeed notes that a smart hacker who has access to the last four digits of your social or fake ID can still impersonate you and transfer your phone number to another device while retaining your number.
When they have a device that is technically “you”, they can access any of your accounts, which require two-factor authentication.
It may sound daunting, but Buzzfeed notes that it’s not as daunting as you might think . Ambitious hackers can call and retrieve small amounts of information about you from the various services you use, and then combine them into enough information to log into an account. This actually happened to Black Lives Matter activist Deray McKesson last year.
This type of mobile hijacking is becoming more and more common (read more in the Buzzfeed story), so it’s more important than ever to keep your account as secure as possible.
To do this, Buzzfeed offers a great option to add a PIN to your account. I already have one attached to my AT&T account, as well as several others. This is the third layer of protection, besides the password and two-factor authentication. Something like the PIN that you use at an ATM, often a four-digit code is what you come up with (don’t use the last four of your social media, it’s too easy to track down!) And you must provide it whenever you make changes to your account, such as purchasing a new phone.
The idea is that there is an additional layer of protection for your account, which will at least be a barrier for intruders, if not a brick wall that they cannot pass through.
Every major telecom operator in the United States offers the opportunity to do this. Here’s a breakdown of each and how to do it:
AT&T
You can add a PIN to your AT&T Internet account. Sign in to your account, then go to View Profile and Login Information. In the Wireless Access Code section, select Advanced Security Management and add a new password.
Sprint
Sprint customers must have a PIN. You can update yours online by logging into your account and selecting My Sprint and then Profile & Security. Scroll down to the Security Information section and then update your details before clicking Save.
Verizon
On Verizon, you can add a PIN by going to vzw.com/PIN . You can also add your PIN in person at any store (with government issued ID) or by calling (800) 922-0204.
T-mobile
T-Mobile customers can add a PIN by dialing 611 from their mobile phone or dialing 1-800-937-8997. With T-Mobile, you’ll need a six-digit passcode, not a four-digit one, so think of something good (not your social media!) Before calling.
And this is just the beginning. Read the Buzzfeed article and articles linked below to find out how to make your accounts even more secure. And like everything else, great security starts with a great password that’s hard to guess. Make sure you are using a good one. If you need help, here’s how to do it .