Cellular network names leaked: what it means and what to do
Risk level: medium. Can you change it: yes. Found in 1 breaches in this directory.
What this data is
The name of your mobile phone company, such as Telstra, Vodafone, T-Mobile or EE, recorded by an app at signup or read from the phone itself.
The risk on its own
Your carrier name alone does not give anyone access to your phone or your number. Its value is as a starting point: anyone trying to take over your number needs to know which company to deceive. It also makes a fake text from your network more believable.
The risk combined with other data
With your name, phone number and date of birth it is most of what a SIM swap fraudster needs to ring support or walk into a store and ask for your number on a new SIM. Once they hold your number they receive your SMS login codes and reset links. Phishing texts that name the right carrier are also far more convincing.
How criminals use it
A fraudster calls your carrier posing as you, claims a lost phone and has your number moved to their SIM.
A text branded as your carrier says your account is suspended and links to a page that collects your login and account PIN.
Someone ports your number to another provider and starts receiving your bank's verification codes.
Fake bill credit or loyalty reward messages from your carrier collect your card details.
What to do now
Set a port out PIN or number lock with your carrier. In the US look for Number Lock at Verizon, Wireless Account Lock at AT&T and SIM Protection at T-Mobile; most other carriers offer an account PIN or extra port authorisation.
Move important accounts from SMS codes to an authenticator app or a passkey, so a stolen number cannot unlock them.
Set a SIM PIN on your phone so the SIM cannot be used in another handset without it.
If your phone suddenly shows no service, contact your carrier from another phone straight away, since that is the classic sign of a SIM swap.
Log in to your carrier account only through the official app or by typing the address, never from a link in a text.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it matter that my carrier name leaked?
It tells a SIM swap fraudster which company to contact. Combined with your number and personal details, it is the starting kit for taking over your phone number.
How do I know if my SIM has been swapped?
Your phone loses signal unexpectedly, calls and texts stop arriving, or you get a notice of a SIM change you did not ask for. Contact your carrier immediately from another phone.
Should I change to a different carrier?
Not usually. A port out PIN or number lock and moving your logins off SMS codes protect you better than switching companies.
Breaches that exposed this data
ai.type: 2017-12-05, 21M accounts, Address book contacts, Apps installed on devices, Cellular network names, Dates of birth, Device information, Email addresses
Breach data sourced from Have I Been Pwned, used under CC BY 4.0. Additional breach metadata provided by XposedOrNot. DataExposed is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by either.