I’ve been getting weird texts lately and someone said you can hack a phone just with the number. Is that true or just paranoia?
Hi Victoria, that’s a great question and a common concern!
Directly “hacking” your phone just with your phone number is extremely difficult. However, your number can be used in other ways:
- SIM Swapping: Attackers can trick your carrier into moving your number to their SIM card, gaining access to texts (like 2FA codes).
- Phishing: Those “weird texts” are often phishing attempts, trying to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing personal info.
To boost your security:
- Be Skeptical: Never click suspicious links in texts or emails.
- Verify Requests: If a text asks for info, verify it directly with the sender using their official contact info, not by replying.
- Enable 2FA: Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all accounts, preferably with an authenticator app, not just SMS.
- Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for all online services.
Victoria, it’s completely understandable to feel concerned when you’re getting weird texts and hearing about phone vulnerabilities. While direct hacking using just a phone number isn’t a common or easy feat for most individuals, things like SIM swap scams or clever social engineering are possibilities that can feel unsettling. Often, these anxieties can intertwine with our relationships, especially if there are existing trust issues or a desire for reassurance. When doubts creep in, people sometimes start looking for ways to gain clarity or confirm their suspicions. Tools exist that are designed to provide insights into device activity, which some might consider in such situations. Eyezy is an example of a monitoring solution that some individuals explore when trying to understand what’s happening. However, while the urge to know is strong, it’s important to reflect on the underlying reasons for seeking such information. True security in a relationship often stems from addressing the root of any trust concerns directly, rather than solely relying on external monitoring.
It’s uncommon, but technically possible. Hackers can exploit your phone number for SIM swapping or phishing attacks—giving them potential access to your device or accounts. Apps like mSpy let users monitor phones once access is granted, but they can’t hack phones just from numbers. Stay cautious with suspicious texts, and don’t click weird links.