SIM Swap Detection via Signal Strength and Network State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are inadequate in detecting and mitigating Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap fraud, which involves fraudsters hijacking a victim's mobile phone number by associating a new SIM card with their existing number, leading to unauthorized access to associated accounts.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile app on a smartphone to determine the likelihood of a SIM swap by assessing signal strength and network connectivity, prompting the user to enable Wi-Fi, transmitting probe requests, and verifying incoming calls to confirm the swap, with geolocation analysis and notification to identity theft protection services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tighter integration with mobile telephony network operator or authentication provider is used to mitigate SIM swap fraud, then fraud detection capability is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary layer between the user's device and the network operator/authentication provider. This intermediary performs SIM swap detection by monitoring network connectivity states and signal strengths locally, then communicates findings to external services, thereby improving fraud detection without requiring complex direct integration with network operators
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application performs self-service SIM swap detection by autonomously monitoring its own network connectivity state and signal strength metrics. The application independently determines when a SIM swap has occurred based on predefined criteria (loss of connectivity despite strong signal) and triggers appropriate user notifications without requiring complex external system integration
2Ease of operation
If mobile phone is used for authentication (SMS OTP, mTAN), then authentication convenience is improved, but vulnerability to SIM swap fraud increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application performs preliminary anti-action by detecting SIM swap attempts before they can be exploited for fraud. By monitoring network connectivity state and signal strength in real-time, the application identifies when a SIM swap has occurred and notifies the user immediately, allowing them to take protective actions (such as enabling alternative authentication methods) before fraudulent transactions can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively monitoring for SIM swap conditions and preparing user notifications in advance. The application continuously assesses network connectivity and signal strength, and when a SIM swap is detected, it immediately alerts the user and can trigger pre-configured security measures, ensuring that authentication convenience is maintained while fraud vulnerability is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
Detecting a fraudulent subscriber identity module (SIM) swap may be performed by a mobile app executing on a mobile computing device. A network connectivity state is determined for the mobile computing device to a mobile telephony network provided by a mobile network operator. The mobile computing device is associated with a SIM which is associated with the mobile network operator. A signal strength is determined at the mobile computing device of the mobile telephony network provided by the mobile network operator. A likelihood is determined that a SIM swap has taken place involving the SIM based on the signal strength and the network connectivity state. In some embodiments, a probe request is transmitted to a remote server, requesting that the remote server programmatically call the telephone number associated with the SIM to confirm whether the SIM swap has taken place.