Safety Features

Overview

MaskNumber is engineered with robust safety features to protect users and their assets, leveraging its decentralized architecture. These features address common security threats, ensuring a secure communication experience on the blockchain.

Key Safety Features

1. No KYC Requirement: MaskNumber does not require identity verification, enhancing user anonymity and reducing the risk of personal data exposure.

2. Decentralized Ownership: Numbers are allocated securely through the platform, not tied to personal accounts or telecom providers, eliminating centralized points of failure.

3. Crypto-Powered Transactions: Secure SOL payments via the blockchain ensure privacy and immutability.

4. Account Deletion Option: Users can remove account data from MaskNumber’s servers, maintaining control over their information.

5. Secure Number Allocation: Numbers are allocated securely through the platform and not resold or shared without consent.

6. High Security Measures: Utilizes HTTPS encryption for data transmission, blockchain storage for integrity, and audited smart contracts (e.g., by CertiK).

7. No SIM Swapping Possible: Since MaskNumber numbers are not tied to traditional mobile carriers, SIM swapping—a common attack vector—is effectively eliminated. This is a critical safety feature, as MaskNumber operates entirely on the blockchain, bypassing carrier-based vulnerabilities.

Understanding SIM Swapping and Its Risks

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SIM swapping occurs when an attacker convinces a mobile carrier to transfer a victim’s phone number to a device they control, often by impersonating the victim using social engineering or stolen personal data. Once the attacker gains control of the number, they can intercept SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, gaining access to linked accounts, including crypto wallets.

• Example of SIM Swapping Leading to Crypto Loss:

  • In 2019, a high-profile case involved a Twitter employee whose phone number was SIM swapped. Attackers contacted the carrier, posing as the victim with fabricated details, and transferred the number to a new SIM. They then used the intercepted 2FA code to access the employee’s crypto exchange account, stealing approximately $20,000 in Bitcoin. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of SMS-based security for crypto assets (source: CoinDesk Article, "SIM Swapping Attacks Surge as Crypto Theft Rises," October 2019).

  • Scenario with MaskNumber: Imagine a user, Alex, relies on a traditional carrier number linked to their crypto wallet with SMS 2FA. An attacker SIM swaps Alex’s number, intercepts a 2FA code, and drains $10,000 in SOL from their wallet. With MaskNumber, Alex’s number is allocated through the platform and not tied to a carrier, preventing this attack, as no SMS interception is possible.

Additional Safety Measures

• Wallet Security: Users should back up private keys offline (e.g., on a hardware wallet like Ledger) to prevent loss or unauthorized access if using wallets for other purposes.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA beyond SMS (e.g., Google Authenticator or Yubico keys) for added security on linked accounts.

• Phishing Prevention: Verify communications only through official channels ([e-mail] (mailto:[e-mail])) to avoid scams.

• Community Vigilance: Report suspicious activity on the Discord community for rapid response and awareness.

Supporting Articles

• CoinDesk (2019): SIM Swapping Attacks Surge as Crypto Theft Rises – Details the rise of SIM swapping and its impact on crypto security, emphasizing the need for non-carrier-based solutions.

• The Verge (2021): How SIM Swapping Became a $68 Million Business – Explores a case where $68 million in crypto was stolen due to SIM swapping, underscoring the vulnerability of traditional numbers.

• Krebs on Security (2020): SIM Swapping: A Growing Threat to Your Digital Life – Provides insights into how attackers exploit carrier weaknesses, reinforcing the importance of MaskNumber’s decentralized approach.

Conclusion

MaskNumber’s safety features, particularly the elimination of SIM swapping risks, provide a significant advantage over traditional phone services. By operating on the blockchain and avoiding carrier dependencies, users can protect their communication identities from common threats. Adopting additional security practices further enhances this protection.