SKT Enables USIM Protection Service During Overseas Roaming Starting May 12

Inconvenience of Limited USIM Protection Service During Roaming Disappears
Automatic Enrollment for Overseas Travelers and Residents Not Subscribed to USIM Protection Service by May 14
USIM Reset Service Available Starting May 12

Yonhap News

SK Telecom (SKT) announced on May 12 that customers using overseas roaming can now access the 'USIM Protection Service.' The core of the USIM Protection Service is to manage the customer's device information and USIM information as a single entity. It blocks unauthorized individuals who have stolen a customer's USIM information from accessing the service on another device. Although this was one of the main countermeasures introduced after the USIM hacking incident at SKT, its use was previously limited during overseas roaming, causing inconvenience for customers.

An SKT representative stated, "Starting May 12, customers can use the USIM Protection Service even while roaming overseas," and explained, "The USIM Protection Service, which includes an abnormal authentication blocking system (FDS) equivalent to that used domestically, will now be applied overseas as well." To date, more than 24 million people have subscribed to SKT's USIM Protection Service.

SKT plans to automatically enroll overseas travelers and customers residing abroad who are not currently subscribed to the USIM Protection Service in stages by May 14. Customers who were already subscribed to the USIM Protection Service will have the service automatically applied starting May 12.

SKT will also offer 'USIM Reset' starting May 12. USIM Reset is a method that effectively blocks illegal USIM duplication by allowing certain information within the USIM to be changed without replacing the physical USIM card.

An SKT representative said, "With the application of the USIM Protection Service to customers using overseas roaming, preventive measures against cyber intrusion are now in place for all customers," and added, "We will supply a total of 5 million USIMs this month and 5.77 million next month to improve the current wait time for USIM replacement."