Efani Review 2024 | Is this Secure Mobile Provider a Scam?

Our mobile phones have become a key to our digital lives. It has access to our banking, our email communication, our home network and so much more. So how do we go about protecting this key part of our online security from SIM swapping and cell phone hacking?

That’s where a secure SIM provider like Efani comes in. In this Efani review article, I’m testing their service to understand how it works, show you how it is set up, and give you my take on whether or not it’s worth it.

Learn more about Efani on their website (includes a $99 discount promotion).

To follow along with this full review of Efani, below are some helpful content links to jump to a specific section:

Understanding SIM Swaps and Hacks

SIM swapping and cell phone hacking are two sides of the same malicious coin, with perpetrators employing various techniques to obtain confidential personal and financial data, potentially resulting in identity theft and financial loss.

The two primary routes for illicit SIM swaps include:

• Social Engineering (Route 1): An attacker will manipulate a mobile phone service worker into providing information or making changes to a mobile account.
• Insiders (Route 2): Leveraging or bribing contacts who work as employees of a mobile service provider to make unauthorized changes to an account.

These sim swap scams are lucrative, making them a daily occurrence for criminals who target multiple individuals, particularly those who are high-profile or high-net worth. Even the former CEO of Twitter fell victim to this attack.

Efani’s approach to SIM-swap prevention – which we’ll go into more detail below – is meant to handle the weaknesses highlighted in both of these routes. By understanding the constraints faced by traditional mobile providers in managing illicit SIM-swapping, Efani has developed a SIM swap prevention strategy to mitigate the threat of SIM swapping and protect users from the dangers of such attacks.

The Dangers of SIM Swapping

SIM swapping poses a significant risk as it allows hackers to access personal information and accounts by taking control of a victim’s phone number. Once a perpetrator has taken control of a victim’s SIM card, they can potentially bypass SMS-based two-factor authentication, impersonate the target, or access confidential information.

Victims of this attack are said to have been SIM swapped.

It is crucial to understand that the potential implications of SIM swapping are severe. A successful SIM swap attack can lead to unauthorized access to your finances, email accounts, and other sensitive personal data, causing significant damage to the victim’s life and finances.

How SIM Hacks Work

SIM hacks, also known as sim hacking, usually involve social engineering or bribes as we mentioned earlier. In either case, this is generally how a SIM hack works:

• Attacker finds or steals personal information about the victim;
• Attacker calls a representative of the mobile phone company, usually a low-paid overseas worker;
• Attacker claims that your phone has been stolen or lost and they need to move the phone number to a new SIM/phone. They use the personal information they’ve found on you along with other manipulative tactics to socially engineer the representative into making the change.
• Almost immediately, your phone stops sending/receiving calls, text or data.
• Attacker now has remote access to your phone number, often without you realizing it.

While there are a few measures that have been put in place by mobile phone carriers over the past decade, such as 2FA or SIM lock, the truth is that this isn’t a high priority for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and all the other mobile carriers.

That’s why Efani exists.

Efani’s Unique Approach to Security

Efani takes mobile security to another level, offering a comprehensive security approach that includes:

• Privacy from the major phone carriers who tend to sell your data;
• An 11-layer authentication protection system;
• 14-day cooling off period for any SIM changes to take place;
• Employee background checks;;
• Server silos
• The advanced Black Seal Service (Beta);

–> Learn more about Efani on their website <–

This unique approach ensures that users are shielded from SIM swapping and cell phone hacking while enjoying the benefits of a reliable mobile service provider.

And because it’s such a robust security system, they’re also able to offer a $5 million dollar insurance policy that covers any losses associated with a SIM swap. Which, according to a representative I spoke with, has yet to happen to a single Efani client.

To ensure this kind of cybersecurity to safeguard sensitive information and communication channels, let’s go deeper into how their process.

11-Layer Military-Grade Protection

Efani’s 11-layer protection strategy is comprised of eleven distinct identity verification processes designed to prevent unauthorized SIM swaps. It starts with a multi-week waiting period (“cooling off period”) and multiple staff approvals system to ensure nobody else but you can make changes to your mobile plan. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers to execute a SIM swap attack.

Because of this 11-layer military-grade protection system, Efani guarantees protection against SIM swapping and cell phone hacking, providing secure access to its users. This robust authentication system is the premium you pay for added mobile security.

Employee Background Checks and Server Silos

Efani understands that insider threats can be just as dangerous as external attacks, which is why the company conducts background checks on every one of its employees. By ensuring that the staff members have no criminal history that could pose a risk to the company, Efani minimizes the possibility of insider threats.

Server silos are another security measure employed by Efani to further protect its network. By compartmentalizing various components of the network, server silos reduce the risk of an internal threat, as it restricts an individual from having access to all segments of the network. This layered approach to security significantly heightens the difficulty of an individual gaining access to confidential information.

Advanced Black Seal Service (Beta)

For customers with elevated risk profiles, Efani offers the Advanced Black Seal Service (Beta). This comprehensive monitoring system detects suspicious activity and provides additional layers of encryption and security to safeguard against other sophisticated attacks.

Even though this program is still in beta, it’s probably worth noting that this kind of protection is overkill for the average person. It’s designed for those individuals who are high profile or high net worth and the pricing will likely reflect that.

Still, it’s good to know that the same company that can provide this kind of protection for celebrities and government officials can also protect you.

Comparing Efani’s Plan and Pricing

At $99 per month, Efani’s plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data, along with the robust security features discussed earlier. No contracts and (to my knowledge) no hidden fees.

This pricing may be higher than the average mobile plan, but the added security measures and peace of mind make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize their privacy and security.

Efani’s plan also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee for a period of 60 days, allowing customers to try out the service risk-free. With the added protection of up to $5 million in insurance coverage, Efani guarantees customer privacy and protection against SIM swap attacks and other security risks.

Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data

Efani’s plan provides customers with 22GB of high-priority data each month. This allows users to enjoy the benefits of unlimited talk, text, and data, along with the added security features that come with the service.

Subscribers who use more than 22GB of data may be subject to lower priority levels. This means their internet speeds could suffer. Potential limitations may be imposed following the utilization of 50GB of data in a given month. Despite these restrictions, Efani’s focus on security and SIM swap prevention makes it a valuable choice for customers seeking a secure mobile experience.

Cybersecurity Insurance

For those who invest in cryptocurrencies or have access to high-dollar investment accounts, it’s good to know that Efani offers $5 million in cybersecurity insurance that covers any financial losses as the result of a SIM swap.

By offering this cybersecurity insurance, Efani ensures that its customers can enjoy the benefits of their mobile service without worrying about potential security threats or the financial consequences of a SIM swap attack.

Coverage and Data Priority

Efani’s doesn’t own and operate its own wireless network, instead opting to partner with AT&T to use their network. This collaboration grants Efani customers access to one of America’s top mobile networks, providing a dependable and secure mobile experience.

Data speed tests reveal that Efani’s data priority is on par with AT&T’s plans, guaranteeing a comparable experience for users. This means that subscribers can expect similar data speeds and performance when using Efani’s service compared to AT&T’s offerings.

AT&T Network Partnership

An interesting feature of Efani’s partnership with AT&T is the additional privacy it provides. When you sign up with Efani, your personal information does not get passed along to AT&T.

To put this to the test, I visited an AT&T store in Tennessee during my travels. I entered the store and proceeded to ask them what information they had on my phone number.

To my pleasant surprise, the store worker informed me that when he typed in my phone number, all that he could see was that my number was part of the business plan for a company named Efani. They didn’t have my name, address, payment information or anything else to match the number with an identity.

Data Speed Comparison

Efani’s data speeds are comparable to those available on AT&T’s plans, as revealed by data speed tests. This comparison ensures that Efani customers can enjoy a similar mobile experience in terms of data speed and performance.

Understanding the data speed comparison between Efani and AT&T is crucial for potential customers when deciding on a mobile service provider. By offering comparable data speeds to AT&T’s plans, Efani demonstrates its commitment to providing a reliable and secure mobile experience for its users.

International Roaming and eSIM Support

For customers with eSIM-compatible devices (which is most modern phones), Efani offers free international data roaming in select countries. This service allows users to stay connected while traveling abroad, without worrying about the potential security risks associated with using local cellular networks.

It is important to note that data speeds may be lower while roaming internationally, as compared to domestic usage. Nevertheless, Efani’s international roaming service provides a valuable benefit for customers who prioritize secure mobile communication, even when traveling outside their home country.

eSIM Setup Process

The eSIM setup process for Efani customers requires one quick phone call. Some might find this inconvenient, but they do this to prevent fraud and the whole process took me less than 10 minutes from start to finish. You’re given the option to be send a physical SIM card, but this takes longer to mail.

Setting up an eSIM is as simple as providing Efani with your phone’s IMEI number and then scanning a QR code they send you. Your phone does the rest.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Efani

Efani’s enhanced security features make it an attractive option for security-minded customers, such as high-net-worth individuals and those at risk of targeted attacks. The company’s focus on security and SIM swap prevention sets it apart from traditional mobile service providers, offering a level of protection that is difficult to find elsewhere.

However, potential limitations should be considered before choosing Efani as a mobile service provider. These limitations include the higher price compared to other carriers, the lack of family plans, and reliance on a single network for coverage.

Despite these drawbacks, Efani’s commitment to security and privacy makes it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize the protection of their sensitive information and communication channels.

Enhanced Security Features

We’ve spent most of this article talking about all of the benefits that Efani’s secure mobile service offers, and for good reason. No other mobile carrier that I’m aware of offers this same kind of 11-layer verification, background checks, server silos and carrier privacy.

These measures ensure a secure mobile experience for its customers.

Efani’s dedication to providing a secure mobile experience makes it a suitable option for those looking to safeguard their sensitive information and communication channels from hackers and potential security vulnerabilities.

Potential Limitations

While Efani offers a host of security benefits, there are potential limitations to consider. For instance, Efani’s plan is priced higher than other carriers, which may be a drawback for some customers. Additionally, the company does not currently offer family plans, which could be a deal-breaker for those in need of such options.

For those who lean more toward a desire for privacy instead of security, you should know that Efani is still a centralized solution. You can’t pay with cryptocurrency and you’re still trusting Efani with all of your personal information.

Lastly, Efani relies solely on the AT&T network for coverage, which may present limitations for customers who require access to multiple networks or prefer a specific network other than AT&T. Nevertheless, for those who prioritize security and privacy, Efani’s services remain an attractive choice.

Summary

In conclusion, Efani offers a unique solution for those seeking enhanced security and SIM swap prevention in their mobile service. With its comprehensive approach to security, partnership with AT&T, and commitment to customer privacy, Efani stands out as a reliable and secure option for those who prioritize their sensitive information and communication channels. While there are potential limitations to consider, the peace of mind provided by Efani’s protection measures makes it a worthwhile investment for security-minded customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most common questions I receive about using the Efani service to secure a mobile device.

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