In today’s world, our phone numbers are more than just a means of communication. They represent our personal identity and hold sensitive information that we cannot afford to lose. Unfortunately, in this digital age, phone number theft is becoming increasingly common. From phishing scams to data breaches, cybercriminals are finding ways to steal our precious digits. So how can you keep your phone number safe?
In this KalamTime blog post, we’ll discuss five practical tips that will help protect your phone number from falling into the wrong hands!
Get a Google Voice number
Getting a Google Voice number is an excellent way to keep your phone number safe. With this service, you can get a new phone number that’s not linked to your actual phone or SIM card. This means that even if someone steals your mobile device or SIM card, they won’t be able to access the calls and text messages sent to your Google Voice number.
Setting up a Google Voice account is easy; all you need is a Gmail account. Once you’ve signed up, you can choose the area code for your new phone number. You can also customize voicemail greetings and forwarding options.
One of the most significant benefits of having a Google Voice account is its spam filtering feature. It automatically filters out unwanted calls and texts from telemarketers and scammers.
Furthermore, with Google Voice, you can make free voice and video calls within the United States and Canada using Wi-Fi or a data connection on your smartphone. And when traveling internationally, it offers low-cost international calling rates.
In summary, getting a Google Voice number provides several advantages in protecting our personal identity while keeping us connected with others without revealing our real contact details.
Use a Burner Number
One way to protect your phone number and maintain privacy is by using a burner number. A burner number is a temporary phone number that can be used for a specific period or purpose and then discarded.
There are several apps available, both free and paid, that offer this service. These apps allow you to choose a temporary phone number with area codes from different regions, making it harder to trace the call back to you.
Using a burner number can come in handy when dealing with unknown callers or if you need an extra layer of security for online transactions where sharing personal information such as your real phone number may not be advisable.
However, it’s important to note that while using a burner app provides some level of anonymity, these numbers can still be traced back through legal channels if necessary. Additionally, some services require access to your contacts and other personal information before allowing you access to their features.
Using a burner app can help keep your real phone number safe from unwanted calls and potential spam but should not be relied on as the sole means of protecting yourself online.
Sign up for a ProtonMail account
When it comes to keeping your phone number safe, signing up for a ProtonMail account can be a great step. This secure email service offers end-to-end encryption, which means that only you and the recipient can read the emails exchanged.
ProtonMail also boasts stringent security measures such as two-factor authentication and a no-logging policy. When you sign up for an account, you’ll be asked to create two passwords – one for logging in and another one for encrypting your mailbox data. This ensures that even if someone manages to hack into your account, they won’t be able to access any of your sensitive information.
Another great feature of ProtonMail is its ability to send self-destructing messages. You can set an expiration date on any message sent through this service so that it will delete itself after a specific amount of time.
In addition, ProtonMail allows you to use custom domains which gives you more control over your online identity. You don’t have to worry about using a generic email provider like Gmail or Yahoo that may not align with your personal brand or business image.
Signing up for a ProtonMail account is an excellent way to enhance the security of your phone number and other personal information.
Use two-factor authentication
Using two-factor authentication (2FA) is a great way to keep your phone number safe. 2FA means that you need to provide two types of verification before logging in or accessing your accounts. This could be something like entering a password and then receiving a code via SMS or an app.
One option for 2FA is using an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator or Authy. These apps generate unique codes that refresh every few seconds, which you can use to log into your accounts.
Another option is using biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, which adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
It’s important to note that while 2FA isn’t foolproof, it does significantly increase the difficulty for hackers trying to gain access to your accounts. So if you want added peace of mind when it comes to protecting your phone number and personal information, consider enabling 2FA on all of your important accounts.
Encrypt your calls and texts
In today’s world, our phones are an extension of ourselves. They contain sensitive information that we don’t want to fall into the wrong hands, including our phone numbers. Encrypting your calls and texts is a great way to keep this information safe.
There are a variety of apps available that allow you to encrypt your communications. One of the best options is KalamTime. These apps use end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and receiver can read the messages – not even the app developers themselves.
End-to-end encryption works by scrambling your message as it leaves your device so that no one else can read it until it reaches its intended recipient’s device. This ensures that even if someone intercepts your message in transit or if your device is compromised, they won’t be able to decipher what was said.
It’s important to note that both parties need to have the same app installed for end-to-end encryption to work properly. So make sure you’re communicating with others who also have these apps installed on their devices.
Encrypting your calls and texts may seem like an added step in communication, but taking precautionary measures will lead to safer management of personal data.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, our personal information is always at risk of being compromised. However, when it comes to keeping your phone number safe, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from potential harm.
By using a Google Voice number or a burner number for temporary use and signing up for a ProtonMail account with two-factor authentication, you can ensure that your phone number remains secure. Additionally, utilizing encrypted calls and texts adds an extra layer of protection against interception by hackers or other malicious actors.
Remember that taking these measures not only safeguards your personal information but also protects you from potential identity theft or financial loss. Stay vigilant in protecting your phone number and take the necessary steps to keep your private life just that: private.
