Online verification has become a big part of how we stay safe and private on the web. Every app, website, or service now wants to confirm you’re real. But giving out your personal number can be risky.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Davey Winder is a veteran cybersecurity writer, hacker and analyst. Update, Jan. 25, 2025: This story, originally published Jan.

Phone number verification has become a standard requirement for many online platforms, including social networks, forums, messaging apps, and digital services. While verification helps reduce fraud ...