Going MVNO with two SIMS. I thought that if I get a second SIM and keep the number just for my Banks and critical stuff so the number is only stored on few orgs DBs,...

[Allex50.]

I thought that if I get a second SIM and keep the number just for my Banks and critical stuff so the number is only stored on few orgs DBs, The number is safe if I take all the normal precautions against SIM swap. Now I realise that if the phone is stolen even if I have a SIM pwd, the SIM can be removed and the number discovered I need an eSIM with encryption to prevent this. So the number will only be discovered if the Banks are hacked. Am I on the right track here for a really secure way of preventing fraud?

i have a Samsung A14 4G atm but would upgrade to get ONE UI ver 8 if necessary to have a more secure hidden folder.

Thanks for any input.

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[UK Sentinel]

I don’t believe the Samsung A14 4G supports eSIM so as you say, you would have to upgrade and a dedicated number for banking minimizes exposure and reduces the attack surface.

Fewer databases = fewer breach points.

Upgrading to a device with eSIM and enhanced security features like Secure Folder under One UI 8 is a good option and the weakest link is usually the mobile provider’s own identity-verification process, if they can be convinced to move your number to a new SIM, the attacker gets your SMS codes.

Ideally look for advanced app isolation and hidden-folder control like high-end Samsung / Android with Knox and eSIM or Titan M security for Google Pixel mobiles.

https://www.samsungknox.com/en

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[Allex50.]

Thanks for your input. I’m turning the idea around and thinking of not using a modern phone for banking and sticking to 2FA on a simple Nokia (its own Protonmail account) which is not used for anything else (and keeping it at home). I could then ditch the bank apps on my normal smartphone and use laptop based browser access to critical sites. So if the SIM is swapped I don’t think I’m too compromised. Wait until UK MVNOs get their act together and offer PIN access to swap. Not sure if banks likely to complicate the sms 2FA method though. Finding it very complicated to sort all the scenarios though.

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• This reply was modified 1 month ago by Allex50..

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[UK Sentinel]

Nice idea using a basic Nokia just for 2FA, and keeping it at home, just need to consider a lot of online purchases require SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) and this could be inconvenience if you are not near your Nokia device. 

 

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