Text Messages Are Not Safe

Written By Layide Akin-Fadeni

If you send confidential business messages, handle sensitive transactions, or receive security codes, do not rely on standard text messages (SMS). If you can, use emails to receive security codes - however, not all companies allow for this.

Here is what you need to know and how to protect yourself:

1. Standard text messages can be intercepted

Companies say SIM cards cannot be duplicated, but in reality, criminals and insiders find ways to access them. Anyone with network access can read standard texts just by knowing your phone number.

2. Use two separate phones (not two SIMs in one phone)

Using a dual-SIM phone is risky because one wrong tap can accidentally reveal your private number.

Instead, use two completely separate physical phones:

  • Phone 1 (Public / Main): Use this for everyday contacts, standard calls, and messaging apps like WhatsApp. Always set a passcode on WhatsApp so no one can open it if they grab your phone.

  • Phone 2 (Private / Burner SIM): Keep this phone strictly for sensitive communications with specific people or companies or to receive security codes. Do not install WhatsApp or any messaging apps on this phone.

3. Why you shouldn't put WhatsApp on your private or burner phone

Even if you register WhatsApp with a burner number, replacing or dropping that number later can cause WhatsApp to update and display your new SIM details to your contacts. To prevent your private number from ever leaking, keep WhatsApp off your private phone entirely.

4. Hide your Caller ID

Set your phone settings to Hide Caller ID by default on your private phone. This adds an extra layer of protection so your phone number doesn't accidentally pop up on someone else's screen when you place a call. Also, check whenever you update your phone software that Hide Caller ID is enabled.

5. Keep your private number strictly off-grid

Never share your private or burner number with anyone outside its specific purpose. If the only people who have that number are the exact parties who need it, you massively lower your risk of exposure.

Summary

Good decent people follow the law; criminals find ways around the law using technology to outsmart people and/or businesses. They also find ways to bypass the law entirely. Just because people are not allowed to do something illegal, doesn’t mean that they are not going to.

Remember that criminal tactics and technology can move faster than the law. These are the harsh lessons that I have learnt. Don't make the mistakes I made:

  • Keep apps like WhatsApp completely off your private/burner phone.

  • Use two physically separate phones. One specifically for security (such as banking and website codes) and the other for general communications and contacts.

  • Hide your caller ID.

  • Use encrypted messaging on your main phone, but keep your secondary phone app-free.

Remember, plan for the worse and hope for the best…

Better to be safe than sorry!

Layide Akin-Fadeni