Traditional physical SIMs are taking the back seat to make way for embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM), which has revolutionized mobile networks. Do you own a phone with an eSIM, or are you planning to make a switch? If so, you may be concerned about its security. You may ask, are eSIMs safe? Can it be hacked?
Physical SIM vs eSIM
Before tackling the security of an eSIM, it is important to grasp the difference between a traditional SIM and an embedded SIM. A physical SIM is removable and transferrable between devices. Meanwhile, an eSIM is built into the device during manufacturing for convenience, as they can switch carriers or activate new plans without swapping a physical SIM.
If you're new to eSIMs, check out this step-by-step guide on activating and managing eSIMs in Canada
Can an eSIM be Hacked, and How?
eSIMs are a step up from traditional SIM cards in different aspects, including security. However, it is not immune to hacking.
So, can an eSIM be hacked? Yes.
However, do not be discouraged. It takes great effort to hack an eSIM.
To avoid being a victim of eSIM hacking, be aware of the ways hackers will try to hack your eSIM:
- Malware Attacks
Opening infracted email attachments or visiting malware-ridden sites may infect your device and target your phone’s operating system, which may enable hackers from having control over your eSIM.
- Firmware Security Gaps
If you are in the habit of delaying firmware upgrades, hackers may use an unpatched security gap to access your eSIM.
- eSIM Swapping
Hackers may use phishing emails to get your details, account numbers, and passwords. If you are not careful when sharing these details, hackers may use your information to contact your network provider and ask them to transfer your eSIM profile to a new device they can control.
Once a hacker controls your eSIM, they can control your accounts and access your authentication codes meant to protect your accounts. For example, they can access your one-time codes to help them unlock your accounts, such as bank and social media. When they hack your eSIM, they can also receive and send text, photos, and videos to your phone number. Lastly, they can also steal your identity and reach out to your contacts to ask for money by communicating via messages.
Signs that Your eSIM May Be Hacked
Here are signs you should check out to tell if your eSIM is hacked:
You receive security alerts from your carrier. For example, if an alert reports that you have made changes in your account that you did not request, your eSIM may be hacked.
You receive a text asking you to restart your device. If you receive this message from your network carrier or another source, contact your eSIM provider immediately.
You get unusual charges on your bill.
You suddenly lose service.
Your phone appears somewhere else. If your phone’s location is using another device, contact your eSIM provider to check if your eSIM has been compromised.
You got locked out of your accounts. If suddenly you can’t log in to your accounts, it may be a sign that hackers have accessed them and changed your passwords.
Ways to Prevent eSIM Hacking
Practicing good cybersecurity habits will lessen the chances of your eSIM being hacked. Here are ways you can keep your eSIM and accounts safe:
- Use strong authentication
Make sure that your accounts have multi-factor authentication (MFA) or a second authentication step to make it harder for hackers to log in and steal your credentials. It is best not to rely on MFA methods that don’t rely on messages or calls.
- Use strong passwords
You can make your passwords harder to break by creating long complex passwords with lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It is also best not to reuse the same password for all your accounts so that if a hacker has deciphered your password in one account, they cannot open all your other accounts.
- Keep your software updated
Devices regularly update their software to provide you with security features to combat cyberattacks. Make sure to update and install it once available.
- Keep on the guard against phishing
Always be cautious before clicking an email, opening an attachment, or giving your personal information. Remember that companies will never ask for your sensitive information over email or phone.
Conclusion
Embedded SIM offers enhanced security features that make it harder to be hacked. By doing your part in keeping your personal information safe, you can reduce the risk associated with eSIM hacking.
If you are looking for an eSIM to install on your phone that offers plenty of flexible travel plans, go for a RemitBee eSIM. Our eSIMs are simple, convenient, and secure. With it, you can seamlessly connect to wherever your destination is.
Get your RemitBee eSIM now.
