SIM-Swapper, Scattered Spider Hacker Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

In a significant ruling against cybercrime, Noah Michael Urban, a 21-year-old from Palm Coast, Florida, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in the notorious hacking group known as Scattered Spider. Along with his prison sentence, Urban has also been ordered to pay approximately $13 million in restitution to the victims of his cybercrimes.

The Rise of Scattered Spider

Scattered Spider has gained notoriety for its sophisticated cybercrime operations, primarily focusing on SIM-swapping attacks. These attacks involve manipulating mobile carrier systems to redirect calls and text messages to devices controlled by the hackers. This method not only compromises the victims' personal information but also leads to substantial financial losses.

Details of the Crimes

Urban pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy in April 2025. Prosecutors revealed that he conspired with others to steal at least $800,000 from five victims through these SIM-swapping tactics. By diverting communications intended for victims, Urban and his associates could access sensitive information such as banking credentials and personal identification.

Implications for Victims

The financial toll on victims is not just monetary; it also includes emotional distress and a breach of privacy. Many victims report feeling vulnerable and violated after experiencing such invasions of their personal security. The broad impact of these crimes highlights the need for increased awareness and protective measures against such cyber threats.

Preventing SIM-Swap Attacks

To safeguard against SIM-swapping attacks, individuals can take several proactive steps:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, especially for banking and sensitive accounts.
• Secure Your Mobile Account: Request your mobile carrier to add a PIN or password to your account to prevent unauthorized changes.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Stay alert for phishing emails or texts that may attempt to capture your personal information.

Conclusion

The sentencing of Noah Urban serves as a warning to cybercriminals and a call to action for individuals to enhance their digital security. The rise of cybercrime, particularly through methods like SIM-swapping, necessitates a collective effort to educate and protect ourselves from such threats. By adopting security measures and staying informed, we can better shield ourselves from potential attacks.