Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Phone Numbers in Today’s Digital World
Phone numbers have become an integral part of our online identities. They are used to swap contact details, communicate with others, and even confirm and authenticate our online accounts. Many apps now require SMS-based two-factor authentication for added security. But what many of us don’t realise is that phone numbers were never intended to be anything more than a user identifier for the telephone network. By relying on them so heavily, we are exposing ourselves to significant risks and dangers.
SMS security issues
Two-factor authentication, which uses a text message with a verification code, may not be as secure as you think. The system that delivers these codes is based on the GSM telecommunications standard, which is almost 20 years old and has serious security vulnerabilities that affect the security of SMS.
GSM data traffic between a mobile phone and a service provider is encrypted using the A5/1 and A5/2 stream cipher encryption algorithms, and the A5/3 block cipher encryption algorithm. However, these algorithms were developed in the late 1980s and late 1990s, respectively, and are vulnerable to a number of attacks that make it possible for people to intercept and read SMS messages before they reach your phone.
This means that all accounts that rely on SMS-based two-factor authentication are using a 20-year-old communications protocol, secured by 20- and 30-year-old insecure encryption schemes, to keep people away from your personal information.
SIM swapping
SIM swapping is another security concern where hackers gain access to your mobile number by contacting the account or service provider and convincing them that they are you. The company then gives the attacker access to your account. This tactic, known as social engineering, is a common tool used by hackers.

At Hidy, we understand the importance of secure messaging, and that’s why we have developed a decentralised, end-to-end encrypted messaging platform that eliminates the need for phone numbers and SMS-based two-factor authentication. By using Hidy, you can rest assured that your communications are secure, and your personal information is protected.