SK Telecom has announced a free USIM card replacement service for affected subscribers starting April 28, 2025, following a hacking attack that compromised user information. This move comes as a response to growing concerns among subscribers about the potential misuse of their USIM data, which includes sensitive information like IMSI and IMEI numbers.
According to SK Telecom, the compromised information does not appear to include personal details such as names, social security numbers, addresses, or email addresses. However, the company acknowledges that the exact scope of the data breach is still under investigation by security authorities and the police. The fear among subscribers is palpable, as hackers could potentially clone USIM cards and engage in criminal activities like SIM swapping, which has been a concern in the past.
To alleviate these worries, SK Telecom has implemented a USIM security service that prevents unauthorized cloning of USIM cards. Subscribers can enroll in this service for free through the T World app or by contacting customer service at 114. As part of its outreach, SK Telecom began notifying 5 million subscribers about the USIM security service via text messages starting April 25, 2025.
Free USIM replacements will be available from 10 AM on April 28, 2025, for subscribers who were with SK Telecom as of April 18, 2025. This replacement service includes eSIMs, and subscribers are encouraged to visit SK Telecom stores or airport roaming centers to obtain their new cards. Notably, some devices, such as certain watches and kids' phones that have built-in USIMs, are excluded from this replacement program.
Customers who replaced their USIMs at their own expense between April 19 and April 27, 2025, will be reimbursed for their costs. The reimbursement method is expected to be a deduction from their monthly bills. If the entire SK Telecom subscriber base, which numbers approximately 24.8 million, participates in the replacement program, it is estimated that consumer benefits could amount to around 191 billion won. However, the actual cost to SK Telecom is projected to be about 74.4 billion won, given the lower cost of manufacturing USIMs.
During a press conference held at SK Telecom's headquarters in Euljiro, CEO Yoo Young-sang emphasized the company's commitment to customer safety and the prevention of potential damages. "We are implementing measures to replace USIM cards free of charge for customers who want to resolve customer anxiety and prevent damage," he stated.
Despite the concerns, experts believe that the risk of USIM information being compromised for subscribers using Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services is low. The networks utilized by SK Telecom and MVNOs are fundamentally separated, which provides an additional layer of security against hacking attempts. Ha Chang-jik, the head of the Korea MVNO Association's secretariat, reassured that the individual networks have separate defenses, suggesting that there is unlikely to be significant damage.
On social media, many MVNO subscribers have expressed anxiety about the potential impact of the hacking incident. Some have opted to switch to different MVNO services as a precautionary measure. However, SK Telecom has reassured MVNO customers that they will also be able to access the USIM protection service, reflecting the company's proactive approach to addressing customer concerns.
Professor Park Chun-sik from Seoul Women's University’s Information Protection Department noted that while roaming overseas, users typically connect to different networks, which means they are not under SK Telecom’s management. However, for those using MVNO services that rely on SK Telecom’s infrastructure, there is a level of oversight and management that can offer some reassurance.
As the situation continues to develop, SK Telecom is taking steps to ensure that all customers, including those on MVNO plans, are informed about the USIM replacement and protection services available to them. The company aims to clarify the timeline and methods for MVNO subscribers to replace their USIMs, with further announcements expected soon.
In summary, the recent hacking incident has prompted SK Telecom to take immediate action to protect its subscribers. By offering free USIM replacements and a dedicated security service, the company is working to restore confidence among its customer base. The proactive measures reflect SK Telecom's commitment to safeguarding user information and addressing the concerns of subscribers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
