eSIM Security: Protecting Your Digital Identity in a Mobile World

With more and more wireless carriers adopting eSIM technology, it’s expected that people will have questions about eSIM security. In today’s world, where everything from bank information to test results is on your phone, protecting one’s digital identity is imperative. This article will tell you everything you need to know about eSIM security.

Are eSIMs safe?

Instead of the plastic SIM cards that have been used in mobile phones for years now, eSIM is an “embedded” SIM that can’t be removed and can only be modified digitally. You can learn more by checking out our article What is an eSIM.

Are eSIMs more secure than physical SIM cards? Overall, yes. The inability to remove an eSIM from its respective phone makes it far less susceptible to theft or unauthorized tampering, like cloning. Also, not needing to remove an eSIM to switch between two active numbers means you can’t misplace it, which happens quite often with physical SIM cards.

eSIM vs Physical SIM Card Security

Physical SIM cards need to be inserted into a phone’s SIM card slot and manually swapped when changing carriers or phones. The phone’s tamper-resistant hardware (e.g. locking SIM tray) safeguards a SIM card from physical attacks while up-to-date encryption protocols protect data transmitted between the phone and the mobile network. Alternatively, an eSIM can’t be removed from a phone, minimizing the risk of physical attacks. They also use “secure remote provisioning,” which allows wireless carriers to manage & update SIM profiles over-the-air, minimizing any risks associated with lost or stolen SIM cards. For a more in-depth look at the differences between eSIM and physical SIM cards, you can read our eSIM vs physical SIM blog. 

eSIM Security Risks

So, can eSIM be hacked? Technically, yes. No technology is 100%, absolutely impervious to security risks, so in the interest of transparency, here are a couple of things to take into consideration:

• Tracking & monitoring
  eSIM-enabled devices offer physical security with the ability to monitor & track a stolen physical device or SIM card. Conversely, this ease of tracking & monitoring eSIM-enabled devices raises concerns about access to user privacy and potential data surveillance via remote eSIM hacking.
  
• Data breaches
  As with any digital system, eSIM infrastructure is not immune to data breaches. Unauthorized access to eSIM profiles can compromise user privacy and expose personal information like financial accounts, etc. 

eSIM Security Tips

Along with the risks that accompany eSIM, there are of course some important steps you can take to keep your eSIM profile safe. 

1. Enable two-factor authorization whenever it’s an available option
2. Use strong passwords & PINs for all your important accounts
3. Keep your software up-to-date to protect against hacks or phishing attacks 
4. Use secure networks, such as encrypted Wi-Fi or virtual private networks (VPNs) to better protect your personal communications and any data transmitted through your eSIM-enabled device.

Your Security is Our Priority

At Ultra Mobile, we take account security very seriously. We wouldn’t support and promote eSIM if it wasn’t a secure and user-friendly option for wireless network connectivity. If you’re ready to make the switch to Ultra Mobile and want to bring your phone with you, click the link to see if eSIM will work for you. If your phone is eSIM-compatible, you could make the switch in minutes, just FYI.  

Check eSIM Compatibility