Mandatory USIM Replacement for SKT/SKT MVNO Users! (Including eSIM) Check Now!

 

Mandatory USIM Replacement for SKT/SKT MVNO Users! (Including eSIM) Check Now!

If you are an SKT or SKT network-based MVNO user, you must replace your USIM card to protect your personal information and financial assets. eSIM users are no exception!

A recent hacking incident on SKT's subscriber server (HSS) has resulted in a serious security breach where USIM information (IMSI, USIM authentication key, etc.) has been leaked. This is not just a simple personal information leak but a very critical issue that can lead to serious secondary damage such as the creation of cloned phones and financial asset theft through SIM swapping.

Why is USIM replacement "mandatory"?

The leaked USIM information provides hackers with the basis to infinitely create cloned phones identical to your smartphone. Through cloned phones, hackers can commit the following serious crimes:

• Bypassing Identity Verification: They can intercept SMS (phone calls) required for identity verification when using internet banking, stock trading, and checking official government documents, allowing them to steal financial assets.
• Financial Asset Theft (SIM Swapping): SIM swapping attacks, where they access your accounts through SMS authentication and steal financial assets, become possible.

When and where can you replace it?

When: From 10:00 AM (business hours) on Monday, April 28, 2025

Where: All T World direct and official retail stores nationwide, and airport roaming centers in Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, and Jeju.

What is the cost?

대상 (Target): All SKT and SKT network MVNO subscribers (including mobile phones, tablets, and eSIMs) as of 24:00 on April 18, 2025

Cost: Completely Free

Refund: Customers who replaced their USIM at their own expense between April 19th and 27th can receive a refund upon presenting their receipt.

Is SKT's USIM Information Protection Service sufficient on its own?

Subscribing to the free USIM Information Protection Service provided by SKT is a necessary step before replacing your USIM. This service is set so that customers must directly apply to activate/deactivate it. However, we cannot completely rule out the possibility that malicious hackers might use the information they have already obtained to arbitrarily deactivate the service through a store or employee and then create a cloned phone to carry out attacks.

Therefore, USIM replacement is a more fundamental solution, and after replacing your USIM, you are free to maintain or cancel your USIM Information Protection Service. (Currently, there may be restrictions on roaming when the USIM protection service is active.)

Do not be complacent by thinking "It'll be alright"!

This hacking incident is a much more serious issue than previous simple personal information leaks. If the already leaked personal information and USIM information are combined, hackers can very easily create cloned phones and cause real financial damage.

Please ensure that not only you but also your precious family and acquaintances replace their USIMs right now.

Additional things to remember:

• If your phone unexpectedly displays 'No Service', immediately call 114 to request a temporary suspension of your line.
• Change passwords for important websites to complex ones and activate 2-step verification to enhance security.

This USIM replacement is the most important and urgent measure to protect your valuable personal information and financial assets. Please be sure to replace your USIM within the period to ensure your safety.