Mobile Number Reassignment Risks Highlighted Amid Registration Deadline Extension

Mexico's telecommunications sector is extending deadlines for mobile line registration, offering users another chance to comply and prevent problems associated with the reassignment of phone numbers. This practice, common in the industry, can pose risks to digital accounts if not managed carefully.

Cybersecurity firm ESET highlights that the primary concern isn't the registration process itself, but rather what happens when an inactive phone number, still linked to services like banking, email, or social media, is reassigned. According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT), Mexico has 63 million mobile lines, with 40.2 million prepaid and 22.8 million postpaid.

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The real point of attention is the possible reassignment of a number to another person, a common practice in the telecommunications industry that can have implications if the number remains associated with digital accounts of the previous holder.

ESET's computer security investigator, David González, explained that while mandatory registration doesn't directly threaten digital security, the reassignment of numbers is a significant point of attention. When a number is recycled, the new user might receive verification codes, notifications, or calls intended for the previous owner. Although this doesn't grant automatic access to accounts, it can complicate access recovery or contact information updates for the original user.

This number reuse is an industry standard to optimize available numbering resources. Operators reclaim inactive lines and assign them to new subscribers. González noted that this scenario can expose both users and companies to operational and security risks. He advised users to keep their phone lines active, update contact information when changing numbers, and regularly check which accounts are linked to their mobile service. Utilizing multi-factor authentication apps is also recommended to reduce reliance on phone numbers for verification.

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The scenario can lead to calls, messages, and notifications intended for the previous owner, exposing both users and companies to operational and security risks.