SK Telecom announced on the 11th that it is introducing a rerouting feature for the Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). This function was developed to prevent the risk of 'replicated USIMs' raised by the theft of USIM information due to hacking.
Starting from the 12th, SK Telecom will provide a 'USIM rerouting' (previously known as USIM formatting) solution that allows some information to be changed without physically replacing the USIM. This solution is available for both USIM and embedded SIM (eSIM) users.
Users can receive a part of the 'user identification and authentication information' among the ▲user identification and authentication information ▲user direct storage information present on the USIM. The company explained that by changing this information, even if an attempt is made to replicate the leaked USIM information, system access will be blocked.
SK Telecom noted that 'various functions of the network will also operate simultaneously, and effects equivalent to a USIM replacement are expected' and that 'it will be convenient and quick to process because user-stored information in the USIM can be maintained while changing information.' Unlike USIM replacement, there is no need to reroute financial certificates, T-money, contacts, etc., and there is no need to conduct new certifications from financial institutions.
If customers want to switch to a new physical USIM even after the 'USIM rerouting,' they can do so for free once at nationwide T World stores. SK Telecom plans to provide the USIM rerouting solution to customers who first receive the USIM replacement text and visit T World stores, just like with the existing USIM replacement.
Alongside this, SK Telecom will expand the appointment notifications for customers who reserved USIM replacements starting from the 12th when the inventory of USIMs increases. Additionally, through the 'USIM rerouting' solution and the expansion of eSIM self-activation, the company plans to support customers who wish to replace their USIM.
Kim Dong-gu, a professor at Yonsei University (president of the ORIA steering committee), and Jang Kyung-hee, a professor at Inha University (president of the 6G Forum), stated, 'With the commercialization of this technology that reroutes only authentication-related information without the inconvenience of backing up personal data in the USIM or rerouting applications, it will become a useful technology in a future where the importance of security is increasing.'