SK Telecom issues free SIM replacements following hack

SK Telecom (SKT) is offering free SIM card replacements to 23 million users to ease security concerns following a hack leaking customer USIM data.

The announcement came directly from SK Telecom CEO Yoo Young-sang during a press briefing focused on customer information protection held at the company’s headquarters in Seoul.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Yoo stated: “I sincerely apologise to customers who have trusted and used SK Telecom, and to society for the great inconvenience and concern we have caused.

“We will implement additional measures to provide free SIM card replacement to all SK Telecom customers.”

This significant undertaking aims to directly address and alleviate customer anxiety. It follows SKT’s earlier implementation of its ‘SIM Protection Service’ and the strengthening of its Fraud Detection System (FDS) designed to block unauthorised or abnormal authentication attempts, which could indicate attempts at illegal SIM duplication or account takeovers.

Starting April 28th, SKT customers will be able to request a free replacement physical SIM card or eSIM. This offer is available nationwide at the operator’s T World retail stores and its airport roaming centres.

Eligibility extends to all mobile subscribers who were active on the network as of midnight on April 18th. The offer is limited to one replacement per eligible customer, and excludes certain specific devices like some smartwatches and kids’ phones.

Recognising the potential for high demand immediately following the launch, SK Telecom has advised that customers experiencing difficulties obtaining a same-day SIM replacement due to queues can make a reservation at their chosen store for a later date. The company also noted that SIM exchanges at airport locations may take additional time, recommending customers factor this in.

SKT will also retroactively apply the free replacement policy to customers who already paid for a new SIM card between April 19th and 27th. These individuals will receive a refund for the costs incurred.

The initiative also extends to customers using Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) – often referred to as low-cost phone companies – that utilise SKT’s network infrastructure. Each MVNO partner will communicate the specific implementation period and procedure for their own customers separately.

SIM replacements part of a layered security approach from SK Telecom

SKT believes this free SIM replacement scheme, when combined with its existing and recently enhanced security protocols, will create a more robust shield for customer data. The company highlighted that its strengthened FDS, alongside the ‘SIM Protection Service’ – which it describes as having “virtually the same effect as SIM replacement” – provides layers of defence.

Since the unspecified cyber breach incident that prompted these actions, SKT confirmed it has elevated the standards for blocking abnormal authentication attempts “to the highest level” to specifically prevent illegal SIM card duplication. Continuous, real-time security monitoring has also been intensified.

Furthermore, SKT is actively promoting its ‘SIM Protection Service’. The operator reported a significant surge in uptake, with 2.06 million new subscribers signing up for the free service between April 22nd and 24th alone. This brought the total number of users for this service to 2.4 million as of midnight on April 25th.

Looking ahead, SK Telecom plans to enhance the ‘SIM Protection Service’ further, enabling its use even while customers are roaming internationally.

“SK Telecom places the highest priority on customer trust, and we will further strengthen our security system and establish measures to strengthen the protection of customer information,” said Yoo. “Through this incident, we will once again be reborn as a company that is faithful to the basics and responsible.”

(Image credit: SK Telecom)

See also: UK announces first ban in Europe on SIM farms

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Tags: 5G, connectivity, cybersecurity, infosec, mobile, Networks, Security, sk telecom, south korea, telecoms