Phishing scams may disguise themselves as text messages regarding SIM card replacements, according to a warning by SK Telecom.
Fresh Take:
In the midst of a major uproar, SK Telecom CEO Ryu Young-sang steps forward to clear the air about the ongoing SIM card replacement debacle in the heart of Seoul, addressing rumors and misconceptions on May 2. [SK TELECOM]
Bowing in apology for the recent data breach incident, Ryu Young-sang faced the public at a press briefing in central Seoul. [YONHAP]
Want to know more about this chaotic turn of events? Let's break it down:
- The Catastrophe: A USIM hacking incident that occurred between April 18-19, 2025, led to a staggering leak of 9.7GB of data, including subscriber phone numbers and IMSI identifiers. [2][5]
- The Reaction: On April 30, CEO Ryu Young-sang testified before the National Assembly, labeling the hacking case as the worst in telecom history. Over 70,000 subscribers severed ties with the carrier within two days of the breach disclosure. [4]
- The Aftermath: SK Telecom announced plans to provide eSIM services and carrier-switching support for vulnerable groups such as seniors and the disabled. [1] The company aims to secure 10 million SIM cards by June and enroll high-risk users in SIM protection services. [4][5]
Despite the proposed solutions, concerns persist about SIM cloning risks and insufficient mitigation measures. [1][3] The replacement process requires mobile or in-person requests, raising questions about material shortages and accessibility barriers. Although no financial fraud has been verified yet, SKT has pledged full compensation for hacking-related damages. [4][5]
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
- The ongoing SIM card replacement debacle in the technology industry has sparked concerns about SIM cloning risks and insufficient mitigation measures, according to recent article.
- In the continually evolving landscape of business, SK Telecom aims to secure 10 million SIM cards by June and enroll high-risk users in SIM protection services, as part of their aftermath plan.
- CEO Ryu Young-sang, in a bid to alleviate the crisis, has pledged full compensation for hacking-related damages, while addressing rumors and misconceptions at briefings related to cybersecurity.
- As the cybersecurity threat looms over the industry, SK Telecom and other telecom companies might want to consider adopting newer formats such as eSIM services to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
