Wireless Lock: A New Line of Defense Against SIM Swapping for Law Firms
For busy law firms, smartphones have evolved into pseudo remote workstations, enabling legal professionals to access sensitive client data and critical case information directly from their phone, at any time, from any place.
But with that convenience comes a growing cybersecurity threat: SIM swapping. This attack can compromise sensitive client data, disrupt communications, and expose your firm to serious ethical and legal risks.
Amid these rising threats, mobile carriers have introduced an essential security upgrade: Wireless Lock. Learn more about what Wireless Lock is, how it can help protect your firm, and the compelling reasons to activate it right away.
What Is SIM Swapping?
SIM swapping (also known as SIM hijacking) is a form of identity theft where a cybercriminal convinces your mobile provider to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control. Once they gain control of your number, they can:
- Intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes
- Access email, cloud storage, and financial accounts
- Impersonate you in communications
- Lock you out of your own accounts
For law firms, this can mean unauthorized access to confidential client files, court documents, and privileged communications.
What Is Wireless Lock?
Wireless Lock is an advanced security option provided by mobile carriers, designed to safeguard your mobile account. It prevents unauthorized actions like SIM swaps, number transfers, and changes to account details—ensuring only you can approve any modifications to your mobile service.
Once enabled, Wireless Lock:
- Blocks SIM swaps and port-out requests
- Prevents unauthorized phone number changes
- Locks down billing and account information
- Requires your explicit authorization to make changes
This feature is designed to stop attackers, even those who may try to exploit carrier support channels, from taking control of your mobile identity.
Why Law Firms Should Enable Wireless Lock
Legal professionals are high-value targets for cybercriminals. Wireless Lock provides key benefits:
- Protects Client Confidentiality – Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive legal communications and files.
- Secures 2FA and Account Recovery – Ensures that authentication codes sent via SMS remain secure.
- Reduces Insider Threats – Blocks even carrier employees from making changes without your consent.
- Supports Compliance and Ethics – Helps meet professional obligations to safeguard client data under ABA and state bar guidelines.
How to Enable Wireless Lock
Each carrier may offer this feature under a different name or within a different app or portal.
To enable Wireless Lock:
- Log in to your mobile carrier’s account portal or app.
- Look for account security, SIM protection, or Wireless Lock settings.
- Follow the steps to activate the lock on your line(s).
- Confirm that you will receive notifications before changes are applied to your account.
If you are unsure whether your carrier offers this feature, contact your carrier support team and ask about SIM swap protection or account locking options.
The Takeaway
With the increasing sophistication of SIM swap attacks, enabling Wireless Lock is essential to reducing the risk of a devastating breach. It is a simple step to safeguard attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff entrusted with sensitive data and confidential communications.
Carrier Resources
- AT&T: Learn About AT&T Wireless Account Lock – AT&T Wireless Customer Support
- Verizon: My Verizon Website – Enable / Disable SIM Protection and Number Lock
- T-Mobile: Protect your T-Mobile account from fraud | T-Mobile Support
Learn More
Explore our industry solutions or request a conversation to discuss your unique needs.
Receive industry insights, security alerts, events invites, & more – opt in here.