Are eSIMs Subject to SIM Swap Attacks? Exploring eSIM Security

The worst nightmare for anyone can be waking up in the morning and realizing you are unable to access your social accounts, and the worst is not able to access your bank accounts. Well, you sure got a shiver down your spine!

The panic you are feeling can be real when you find out your number is hijacked. Welcome to the SIM swap reality of the digital world. Oh! Thank God you are not using old SIM cards but using eSIM technology, so you are safe.

No, my dear. You can also be breached as an eSIM user. Today, in this guide, I will explain that our eSIM is subject to SIM swap attacks. What are the ground realities?

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What is a SIM Swap Attack?

Let’s keep it simple: Do you know what a hacker is? Right! When a hacker manipulates your telecom provider to obtain your number for fraudulent activities, that's called a SIM Swap Attack. 

Whenever you are involved in a SIM swap attack, your personal information, social account details, media gallery, and even your bank details are breached. You will also lose your 2FA (two-factor authentication) codes, leaving you nothing.

How does SIM swapping work?

Let’s divide the working of SIM swapping process into:

Phishing for Personal Information

In this type of attack, you are breached through fake emails, social media, or any other fraudulent activity. The main focus is to steal your personal information across various platforms to flush your digital footprints.

Social Engineering

One of the most criminalistic approaches to SIM swapping attacks is for attackers to pretend to be you and convince your carrier that they are. They also provide all your stolen personal information, which allows them to pass the identity checks.

Activation

This attack could also be carried out on eSIMs. The attackers, using deep programming tactics, stole the number that was assigned to you and activated it on a new SIM or eSIM.

Are eSIMs safer than Traditional SIMs?

The main difference between eSIM and traditional SIM cards is that eSIM is placed into the device for once. No one can take it out or see it. ESIMs are indeed way more convenient than regular SIMs, but they also get breached, raising security concerns. Let’s have a quick security comparison between eSIM and Regular SIM cards:

By this comparison, eSIMs are free from any physical threat. However, they are moderately threatened by digital fraud, which involves breaching access from carrier systems or user accounts.

Case Studies of SIM Swap Fraud

• Traditional SIM Swap: In 2019, a high-profile SIM swap fraud took place with a cryptocurrency investor. The scammers hijacked the investor's physical SIM, flushing millions of dollars from his account.  
• eSIM Swap Fraud: Syniverse Company reports an eSIM swap attack. In this attack, attackers take over a person's phone number and use the data to flush all their mobile banking accounts.

However, with time and advancement in security protocols of eSIM technology advanced encryption, the attack penetration has become harder.

The Future of eSIM Security

People are shifting towards eSIM technology, and the security improvements for eSIMs are getting stronger with modern advancements. Modern carriers are now implementing the finest means of security protocols like:

• Multi-Layer Authentication: Now, before you can activate your eSIM, you need user identity verification through a multi-layer authentication protocol.
• Encrypted Profiles: With the modern advancement in technology, eSIM data is protected with advanced encryption.
• Emerging Technologies: The development of AI and blockchains is helping to prevent SIM swap frauds at scale.

How to Protect Yourself from SIM Swap Scam

The following are the ten steps you need to follow to secure your eSIM:

1. You need to set strong passwords for both carrier login and device accounts.
2. Turn 2FA (two-factor authentication) to get more secure.
3. There is an option of putting a pin or password for eSIM; use it.
4. Suspicious e-mails and messages are designed for baits. Try to avoid them.
5. Check your mobile accounts for any suspicious activity like settings changed or asking restart.
6. If you locate any suspicious activity, contact your carrier immediately and tell them everything.
7. Don’t public your personal information on social media.
8. Face ID or biometric fingerprint can save you. Use them.
9. Never miss an update. Keep your device updated for security patches.
10. Never share your information with unknown callers, and never reply to any type of message asking for your information.

What to do if you Suspect a SIM Swap Attack?

If you suspect any activity that clicks your mind about an attack, you need to:

• Immediately contact your carrier to make sure you have full control.
• Try to change all the passwords of social and bank accounts.
• If you are not sure that you are a victim, try monitoring your e-mail and bank accounts for any unusual activity.

Conclusion

eSIM is undoubtedly the most emerging connectivity technology. It offers convenience and flexibility to its users with the latest security features. However, attackers are also aware of the security updates, which makes eSIM vulnerable to SIM swap attacks. But there is nothing to worry about if you follow this guide and do as said. When you stay vigilant about the best practices to be safe, you are not falling victim to the SIM swap scam.

I am sure that you have got the answer to the question - Are eSIMs subject to SIM swap attacks?

eSIM is said to be safe if you are taking the precautions mentioned above. Buy from eSIM Card and enjoy the best digital security while embracing the future of connectivity!

FAQs

Are eSIMs safer than physical SIMs?

Yes, eSIMs are way safer than regular physical SIMs because they are not physically touched. However, there is a chance of digital SIM swap fraud.

Can eSIMs be hacked or swapped?

Not like physical SIMs, eSIMs are somehow vulnerable to getting hacked or swapped because of weak carrier security protocols or modern phishing attacks by hackers.