AT&T has just introduced another convenient way to ensure your account doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Dubbed “Wireless Account Lock,” this digital toggle switch in your myAT&T app can disable a number of key account information changes, such as billing updates or wireless number transfers.
Why would you lock your account?
Why is this important, you might ask? Well, it helps prevent unwanted parties from buying a device on your account, changing billing information, or moving a phone number to a SIM in a different device.
The latter is a process called SIM swapping, something other carriers have experienced before as well. It ensures that you see any changes that are being made and confirm them before they happen. This feature can be enabled or disabled at any time, as many times as you want.
Business users also benefit from a similar “Business Account Lock,” wherein your account administrator can lock or unlock the account from having any changes made. They can also enable only certain features from being changed by non-admins.
Other important security methods
Of course, as AT&T mentions, there are other ways to protect your account. Methods such as authenticator apps, physical hardware keys, or biometric logins are proven and effective security measures.
Many websites and companies also encourage, or require, two-factor authentication (2FA). Much like a separate authenticator app, 2FA can send a text message to ensure you’re truly the one attempting to log in or make changes.
Final thoughts
Online security will never stop being a crucial part of the way we live our digital lives. With new intrusion methods popping up each day, companies must be vigilant in the way they protect their customers’ information.
Features like AT&T’s Wireless Account Lock are always welcome in my book. One can never truly be too safe when handling sensitive information. As T-Mobile can attest, security is essential for mobile accounts.
