SK Telecom reported on the 13th that approximately 23,000 users were counted on the first day of introducing the rerouting solution for the subscriber identification module (USIM).
On this day, SK Telecom held a daily briefing regarding a cyber intrusion incident at the Samhwa Building in Jung-gu, Seoul, stating, "About 20% of the overall USIM replacements opted for rerouting on the service's first day." By utilizing the rerouting solution introduced the previous day, users can change some information without replacing the physical USIM. Information such as ▲ user identification and authentication information ▲ user-stored information, specifically part of the 'user identification and authentication information,' can be newly received. Changing this information prevents system access even if attempts are made to replicate the leaked USIM information, according to the company. Im Bong-ho, head of SK Telecom's mobile communications division, noted, "Since it is the first day, there was some delay in guidance and processes, and there were areas that were lacking, but we will ensure that it proceeds smoothly."
Alongside this, SK Telecom has also started providing a service that blocks USIM duplication for overseas roaming users since the previous day. The USIM protection service consolidates device and USIM information and offers a function that prevents others from stealing USIM information and accessing services on other devices. More than 24 million people have subscribed to this service; however, customers using overseas roaming were excluded from the target, which has caused issues.
In this regard, Im, the Director General, stated, "The mobile network operator (MNO) customers were automatically registered last night, and all customer registrations will be completed by the 15th," and added, "Once the USIM protection service is established for roaming subscribers, we plan to stop USIM replacement services at airports and deploy those personnel on-site."
On the previous day, 120,000 people proceeded with USIM replacements, bringing the total number of replacements to 1.59 million. Kim Hee-seop, head of the PR Center at SK Telecom, noted, "We have upgraded the USIM protection service and expedited the supply of USIMs," stating, "We are discussing with authorities to expedite the process as much as possible to minimize inconvenience to agents and customers."
In response to the intrusion incident, SK Telecom plans to establish a customer trust recovery committee by as early as this week or, at the latest, next week. Kim, the center head, stated, "We plan to form an advisory committee with external experts," noting, "We are currently drafting the overall framework, including meeting operation plans and consultations on customer protection organizations."