From having to un install small SIM cards to change phones or packages, eSIM now brings convenience when all operations can be done online. However, along with the benefits, eSIM also opens up new security challenges.
Recently, in Mancherial district (Telangana, India), a telecommunications fraud case was exposed thanks to a complaint on the Chakshu portal. The victim continuously received threatening calls from people impersonating officials. The interdisciplinary investigation between the Department of Cyber Security, the Department of Telecommunications and the Ramagundam Police arrested four subjects, seized more than 230 illegally traded physical SIM cards and five SIM Box devices (tools to conceal the origin of international calls).
The employment case raises the question: Between eSIM and physical SIM, which is the safer choice?
A physical SIM is a plastic card containing a subscriber identification code, helping to connect the device to the network. The advantage is easy to disassemble and widely compatible. But this is also a weakness: the SIM can be stolen, lost or copied.
"SIM exchange" scams often take advantage of physical factors combined with social techniques to take over the right to use a phone number, leading to theft of identity and property.
eSIM is a SIM integrated into the device, not using a SIM card. Changing the network operator or adding a package only takes a few steps on the screen. eSIM is more secure thanks to storage in secure hardware, data encryption and multi-factor authentication requirements when enabled.
This makes physical exchanges impossible. However, eSIM depends on software and cloud systems. If an email account or network operator is hacked, the bad guys can activate the eSIM file on another device.
Cybersecurity experts say eSIM is less risky in SIM bustings. However, loopholes in the network's verification process still pose risks. In addition, eSIM is vulnerable to remote management software or services being hacked.
In terms of environment, eSIM reduces plastic waste and supports the design of thin, waterproof devices, but currently limits compatibility in many developing markets. Although physical SIMs are less secure, they still have the advantage of simplicity and the ability to switch quickly in emergency situations.
Experts predict that eSIM will gradually replace physical SIM. At that time, security will depend more on users protecting their digital accounts, including enabling two-factor authentication, setting a strong password, and controlling privacy.
In the digital age, vigilance is still the most effective "shield" against all tricks of cybercriminals.
