Hayo boosts mobile registry to tackle SIM swap fraud

Hayo has expanded its National Mobile Registry platform with new modules aimed at SIM swap fraud and mobile device theft, with a focus on use by governments and mobile operators.

The company said the platform now offers a unified, real-time system for monitoring and validating device and SIM activity. Hayo positioned the upgrades as a response to rising SIM swap scams and continued circulation of stolen, illegal and counterfeit devices on national networks.

SIM swap fraud has become a prominent threat for mobile subscribers and service providers. Hayo cited an estimated 25% of mobile subscribers affected in some markets such as Kenya, and a 1,055% surge in the UK last year, based on figures attributed to fraud prevention service Cifas.

The company also highlighted the issue of grey-market imports and tax leakage linked to counterfeit or illegal devices. Hayo said these factors, combined with limited oversight of stolen devices, can result in billions of dollars in lost government revenue annually.

Real-time checks

Hayo said the updated platform includes SIM swap detection designed to identify abnormal SIM or port-out activity within milliseconds. The company framed the feature as a way for authorities to intervene earlier in account takeover attempts. It described the approach as based on real-time analysis of SIM activity.

The platform also adds what Hayo calls device intelligence features. The company said it has improved device pairing and reporting. It also said it has expanded integration with GSMA data and national blacklists, which many countries use to restrict access for stolen or non-compliant devices.

Hayo said the system supports end-to-end automation. It said governments can configure the platform to align with local rules and regulatory requirements.

Government use cases

National mobile registries often sit at the intersection of telecoms regulation, consumer protection and revenue enforcement. Hayo said its expanded platform covers both fraud-related risks and device compliance. The company said it can identify and act on patterns linked to SIM swap activity, as well as improve oversight of devices connected to networks.

Hayo also described the platform as addressing revenue-related exposure from the grey market. It said the platform includes tools aimed at closing gaps associated with counterfeit or illegal devices and associated tax leakage.

Feraz Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Hayo, linked the upgrades to an evolving threat landscape.

"We're taking our NMR platform to the next level to enable governments to strengthen identity protection, secure mobile networks, and protect citizens from fraud techniques that are evolving at a fast pace," said Feraz Ahmed, CEO at Hayo.

Ahmed also described the two primary technical areas behind the expansion.

"By analysing SIM activity in real time and strengthening device intelligence, we're providing all the tools needed to combat SIM swap attacks, remove stolen devices from networks, and reinforce trust across digital economies," said Ahmed.

Partners involved

Hayo said governments need visibility across mobile ecosystems, including device compliance and SIM-related events. It described the upgrades as part of a broader effort involving multiple public and private stakeholders.

"Governments need intelligence-led tools that can reveal blind spots, enforce compliance, and provide a full, real-time picture of what is happening across their mobile ecosystem," said Sergio Rodrigues, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Product, Hayo.

"Our expanded NMR platform delivers that visibility, making national networks safer, protecting citizens, and shielding governments from the risks posed by counterfeit or non-compliant devices," said Rodrigues.

Hayo said it works with governments and mobile operators, as well as customs authorities, police forces and regulators. The company said it continues to evolve the platform based on public-sector requirements.

The company launched its NMR platform in June 2025 and said it has positioned the product around compliance, counterfeit device removal and digital tax revenue protection. Hayo said the latest expansion builds on that scope, with additional emphasis on SIM swap detection and faster validation of activity across devices and SIMs.