Every frequent traveller will appreciate the convenience and flexibility one gets by using eSIM plans abroad. You don’t have to worry about acquiring a local mobile carrier SIM card to stay connected for social and work needs every time you travel.
If you own a single device that’s eSIM compatible, you can purchase a new data plan every time you travel abroad. This way, you will have multiple profiles on your eSIM device, allowing you to use them for different destinations. You’ll spend less compared to using roaming services.
These benefits are attractive whether you are travelling for business or pleasure. However, the biggest concern is the safety of these eSIM cards compared to physical SIM cards. Read on to discover tips on how to use eSIMs securely.
Encryption and data protection
eSIMs are digital SIM cards embedded in smartphones and run on software that manages connectivity with mobile carriers. Every communication between the eSIMs and mobile networks is encrypted to protect customer information from unauthorized access.
Every eSIM device features a secure element that stores encryption keys and user information, making the chip tamperproof. This level of encryption sets the baseline of eSIM data protection very high.
Additionally, eSIMs use Transport Layer Security (TLS), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) protocols to ensure secure data sharing between the user’s device, service provider, and mobile network servers.
For instance, if you buy a travel eSIM for Morocco, the company will use these security protocols to authenticate communication between the card and cellular networks. They also ensure data confidentiality and integrity, effectively eliminating distortion of information.
These levels of data encryption deter various data breaches like man-in-the-middle, physical cloning of the eSIM chip, and profile modification. Therefore, you can access your online banking services and share sensitive data over eSIM networks with confidence.
Remote deactivation features
Another advantage that comes with eSIMs is the remote deactivation feature. This capability allows your service provider to deactivate your profile remotely. This action makes your eSIM profile inaccessible to third parties.
This feature comes in handy when your device is lost or stolen and you suspect that it might fall into the wrong hands. In such cases, just contact your service provider and request that they deactivate your profile.
Alternatively, you can access your profile through your service provider’s online platform and deactivate your eSIM card, especially if the customer support services are taking too long to act on your request. You can reactivate your eSIM card once you get a new device.
Your quick action is critical in preventing your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
Avoiding SIM swap fraud
Physical SIM cards are susceptible to SIM swap fraud. This data breach enables hackers to take over your SIM card and replace it with another. They can receive calls and texts, and surf the internet with your line.
These privileges allow criminals to access your 2FA codes from your financial applications and other important systems. Luckily, eSIM cards are not physical; therefore, they cannot be physically swapped.
eSIM devices have data encryption capabilities, and service providers adhere to industry security protocols. These efforts make eSIMs difficult for hackers to infiltrate. However, they are not invincible to data breaches.
Hackers are smart and use various methods to access data from unsuspecting users. Examples of these methods include social engineering and phishing. The attacker lures you into sharing your eSIM credentials.
Observe best practices in safeguarding your eSIM credentials against third parties. For instance, keep your eSIM software updated to ensure that criminals don’t exploit system vulnerabilities to your disadvantage.
Moreover, use strong passwords, change them regularly, and never share them with anyone else. If your login credentials fall into the wrong hands, they can take control of your eSIM profile and compromise your personal information.
Using eSIMs on public Wi-Fi
While public Wi-Fi hotspots are generally safe and offer a way to communicate during emergencies, they can expose you to serious data breaches. These networks are not secure.
Anyone with administrator privileges can access everything you share over such networks. This includes your passwords to various applications and online platforms.
Hackers target such networks to attack unsuspecting users for such credentials and use them for their benefit. They can also gain access to your device and install malware, which they use to steal information from you without your knowledge.
Such malware can corrupt your files, rendering them unusable. Such cases can be costly to businesses and corporate entities, especially if the affected information is not backed up elsewhere.
They can also be used to spy on a user and steal information over a long time if not detected, which can lead to compromised intellectual property and trade secrets. If your competitors access such information, they will have an edge over you.
Neither your personal nor your work information is safe with the hackers. You must then shy away from using open networks on your tours abroad.
You can avoid these problems by not connecting to public networks whenever you travel abroad. eSIM plans offer affordable and secure internet to various parts of the world, as long as they are connected to a 3G or better mobile network.
Comparing with physical SIM security
Let’s have a quick comparison between eSIMs’ security versus that of physical SIM cards.
eSIM Cards
- Embedded on the device, thus reducing the risk of loss or misplacement.
- Difficult to clone and swap since hackers require advanced hacking skills.
- Difficult to damage without destroying the device since it’s built-in.
- Supports remote management, allowing you to deactivate when you suspect that your line is compromised.
- Your account can be compromised if your service provider account is compromised.
Physical SIM Cards
- Removable, hence susceptible to loss or misplacement.
- Easier to clone and swap since hackers only need to transfer the number to a new line.
- Physical damage can render the SIM card useless.
- Only your operator can deactivate your physical SIM card.
- It doesn’t come with a carrier account.
