The use of mobile phones has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us to the world in ways never imagined. However, as we grow more reliant on these devices, it is essential to remember that they also come with risks. Among these risks is the potential for identity theft and unauthorized access to your phone number, which can lead to financial losses and other unwanted consequences.
A study conducted by Telefónica revealed that 25 million euros in costs were caused annually due to misdialed calls, and over 75,000 cases of identity theft through phone calls were reported in 2020 alone [1]. These statistics underscore the importance of checking and protecting your MTN phone number.
- Checking Your MTN Phone Number:
a. The first step in securing your MTN phone number is to ensure that you know what it is.
To check your MTN phone number, follow these simple steps:
i. Log into your MTN account on the website or use the MTNApp to access your account information [2].
ii. Navigate to the section that displays your phone number [3].
iii. Review the number displayed and make sure it is accurate.
b. During the process of checking your phone number, protect personal data by ensuring that you are on a secure network and that no one else has access to your device or account information.
- Improving the Security of Your MTN Phone Number:
a. To strengthen the security of your MTN phone number, follow these steps:
i. Update your account information regularly [4]. This includes changing your password and adding two-factor authentication for added protection.
ii.
Use strong and complex passwords when setting up your MTN account
[5]. Avoid using easily guessable combinations like birthdays or common words.
iii. Be cautious when sharing your phone number with others, especially over the phone or via text message [6]. Consider providing a landline number or an alternative contact method instead.
iv. Regularly replace old SIM cards as they are an easy target for identity thieves [7].
b. The security of your MTN phone number is only as strong as the weakest link in your system. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to your phone number.
- Importance of Regularly Checking and Protecting Your MTN Phone Number:
a. Preventing unnecessary costs from misdialed calls is an essential reason for regularly checking and protecting your MTN phone number [8]. Misdialed calls can lead to significant financial losses, especially when roaming or using international calling services.
b. Safeguarding against potential identity theft is another critical reason for maintaining the security of your MTN phone number. Identity thieves can use your phone number to impersonate you and gain access to sensitive information, open new accounts, or make unauthorized purchases [9].
Question to ponder: What would you have done if your MTN phone number had been stolen? How could you have prevented this from happening, and what steps would you take to protect it in the future?
[1] Telefónica. (2020). Identity Theft Through Phone Calls: A Global Concern. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.telefonica.com/en/blogs/identity-theft-through-phone-calls-a-global-concern/
[2] MTN Nigeria. (n.d.). Sign in to MyMTN. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://mymtn.mtnonline.com/auth/signin
[3] MTN Nigeria. (n.d.). Dashboard. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://mymtn.mtnonline.com/dashboard
[4] MTN Nigeria. (n.d.). Account Information. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://mymtn.mtnonline.com/myaccount/profile
[5] National Cyber Security Centre. (n.d.). Passwords. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information-and-guidance/passwords
[6] Federal Trade Commission. (2021). Identity Theft: Red Flags and Warning Signs. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/identity-theft-red-flags-and-warning-signs
[7] National Institute of Standards and Technology. (n.d.). Recommendation for the Use of Cryptography to Secure Internet Transaction Applications – Special Publication 800-53 Revision 4. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/sp/nistspecialpublications/Number%2053/SP800-53rev4.pdf
[8] MTN Nigeria. (n.d.). Call Management. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://mymtn.mtnonline.com/callmanagement
[9] Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Identity Theft: Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved October 25, 2022, from https://www.consumer.ftc.