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From physical SIM cards, evolution has smoothly brought us to eSIM. These electronic chips — analogs of physical cards. They are integrated into devices at the time of manufacturing the smartphones. The first virtual cards were tested in 2016, and to date, they are actively being introduced into the cellular telephone market.
I am always interested in understanding whether the innovation is worth the praise. I prefer to compare a new product with the previous one, removing illusions and emotions from my mind. So, is it worth purchasing phones with eSIM or continue using the ordinary SIM chip? ESIM technologies improve the quality of telecommunication for people worldwide, but is it safe enough? Modern users should consider that a SIM card can become a source of threats. How so, and is eSIM safe? Read on and find out everything first-hand.
Description and benefits of eSIM
Built in SIM card (eSIM) is an electronic card for mobiles, which is already inside the tablet and smartphone when you buy it. You don’t need to seek and buy a physical SIM if you have such a phone. In just a couple of minutes, a user can download settings of a specific telecom operator for an electronic chip and connect the existing services according to valid mobile tariffs. For this, no need to visit a cellular telecom spot. Everything can be done remotely!
Positive features of eSIM:
- Electronic cards are built into gadgets, so you will never lose them;
- Mobile phone chips can work with a physical mobile card: devices with 2 SIMs can switch between SIM cards data line and eSIM;
- eSIM is a small chip, so it can be used with new wearable devices such as watches or other gadgets;
- Electronic mobile chips can store multiple cellular accounts;
- Phones with eSIM have a high level of protection against hackers, although there are still some risks of data theft;
- If a user loses an eSIM smartphone, it can be easily found. Cellular providers control an electronic chip over the network, which makes it easier to determine locations of a particular phone.
Is there a risk to face SIM cards hacking?
Reliability is a primary condition, especially when it comes to mobiles, but can a SIM card be hacked? Let’s compare the security levels of virtual chips and physical SIMs.
How safe is eSIM
Modern experts have stated that since mobile servers for downloading and installing eSIM are located abroad, this may threaten the safety of electronic chip users. A lot of mobile innovation researchers are increasingly inclined to believe that there are no risks, at least due to the remoteness of head servers.
Eldar Murtazin, a well-known expert on the mobile technology market, expressed his opinion in an interview regarding the remoteness of mobile cellular communication servers for eSIM: “Cars made in different countries of the world drive on the roads. Isn’t that normal and doesn’t raise any questions? If we talk about the means of servicing and using eSIM chips, then yes, they are made in various places worldwide, but there is nothing wrong with that.”
As to experts, eSIM does not differ from a conventional SIM card in terms of functionality. Its only beneficial difference is that it exists in a virtual space, and users download it from the app store. Even if someone gets access to phones with eSIM, it is encrypted, and the encryption key is large enough. In theory, it can be assumed or hacked, but in practice, it is impossible.
Another security risk is duplication. In this sense, electronic cards are also more reliable than physical ones. SIM card duplication is potential for physical SIM cards, but for eSIM, it isn’t easy to even imagine.
Risks of using the Physical SIM cards
Can a sim card be hacked and how to avoid this? Up to date, there are several significant hacking risks for physical mobile cards. So, the security specialists of Adaptive Mobile Security recently published a report revealing the details of a new security vulnerability called Simjacker. This is a sophisticated attack that targets physical chips. One can implement it by sending a code to the target device via SMS.
Another troubling issue is a physical chip substitution. Hackers will first call your mobile operator to replace a valid SIM card. He will pretend to be you and ask to replace the SIM card.
How to avoid fraud attacks? Here are some tips:
- Add a PIN code to a valid sim chip;
- Install two-factor authentication protection;
- Be careful and never rush when typing your login details for any internet account.
Secure eSIM installation
So, is eSIM better, and how to use it? eSIM is a new technology, so it can only be found in flagship smartphones and tablets. Many people wonder what eSIM is, how to activate this card, and which devices it is compatible with.
Related: “List of eSIM supported devices in 2023“
The eSIM connection instructions look like this:
- Purchase eSIM through an appropriate operator’s app, website, or sales office;
- Choose a mobile phone number;
- Pass verification by providing personal documents;
- Scanning the received QR code by the gadget’s mobile camera;
- Install it and set it up following the instructions on the phone screen.
This guide steps may vary depending on particular carriers, but a personal QR code is an integral element, without which it is impossible to set up eSIM. A particular QR code also lets you move eSIM to another mobile gadget.
Summary of eSIM and SIM safe
Due to economic crisis worldwide, markets for physical SIM cards have been gradually shrinking in the last couple of years. Mobile operators want to save money on production of physical chips. One SIM card costs about two dollars for carriers, plus extra money is added to this amount for its promotion, storage, logistics, and so on. In some cases, the price of a physical chip is high.
Electronic products are the best solution. There is no need to produce plastic, store it somewhere, take it somewhere, and so on. The enormous costs incurred by operators are removed. The eSIM technology solutions are developing, and famous providers introduce new schemes to ensure security.
