Is eSim Safe?

If you use or plan to use an eSim, you need to know: Is eSim safe? 

Below, we explain whether eSim usage is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this digital SIM technology. 

What Is eSim?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM technology that replaces the traditional physical SIM card with a small, embedded chip inside a device. The eSIM is soldered directly onto the device’s motherboard, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot.

Many modern smartphones, such as the iPhone (from iPhone XS onwards) and certain models of Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, support eSIM. Additionally, various tablets, smartwatches, and other connected devices are increasingly incorporating eSIM technology.

An eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles, allowing users to switch between different numbers and plans on the same device. This is especially useful for travelers who need to switch between local and home networks without changing SIM cards.

Is eSim Safe?

Yes, eSIM technology is considered safe and offers several security advantages over traditional physical SIM cards. 

Since eSIMs are soldered directly onto the device’s motherboard, they are less susceptible to physical tampering or loss than removable SIM cards. The remote provisioning process is protected by strong encryption and security protocols, reducing the risk of interception or unauthorized access during the activation process.

eSIM profiles and communications are encrypted to protect against eavesdropping and unauthorized access. The eSIM’s secure element is designed to manage cryptographic keys securely, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.

Only authorized carriers and their systems can provision and manage eSIM profiles, limiting the potential for unauthorized profile changes or cloning. Users typically need to authenticate themselves through their device settings or carrier app to activate or switch profiles, adding an extra layer of security.

eSIM technology adheres to industry standards set by the GSMA (GSM Association), which include stringent security requirements. eSIM implementations comply with various data protection regulations, such as GDPR, ensuring user data privacy and security.

Like physical SIM cards, eSIMs can be protected with a PIN, adding another layer of security against unauthorized use. In case of device theft or loss, users can remotely lock or wipe their eSIM profiles to prevent misuse.

There have been reports of hackers stealing access to mobile numbers via eSims, but the cases are in the hundreds (meaning the problem is not widespread) compared to countless cases of SIM swapping with physical SIMs. 

Is eSim safe for banking?

Yes, eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) is generally safe for banking and other activities. 

However, Russian cybersecurity firm F.A.C.C.T. has reported an increase in SIM swapping attacks leveraging the shift to eSIM technology, according to a 2024 Bleeping Computer article. Criminals use the replacement or restoration function of digital SIM cards to transfer the victim’s number to their own device with an eSIM. 

Traditionally, SIM swappers relied on social engineering or insiders at mobile carriers to port numbers. However, as companies enhanced protections against these tactics, attackers shifted their focus to exploiting new technologies like eSIMs.

Attackers breach a user’s mobile account using stolen, brute-forced, or leaked credentials to initiate the porting process. They generate a QR code through the hijacked mobile account, which they scan to activate a new eSIM on their device. This deactivates the victim’s eSIM/SIM, allowing the criminals to receive access codes and two-factor authentication for various services, including banks and messaging apps, enabling extensive fraudulent activities.

To defend against eSIM-swapping attacks, researchers recommend using complex, unique passwords for cellular service provider accounts and enabling two-factor authentication where possible.

Is eSim safe according to Reddit?

The general consensus on Reddit is that eSIMs are safer than traditional SIM cards, at least in terms of physical security (i.e., an attacker removing your SIM card from your phone).

However, Redditors warn that eSIMs can be just as easily SIM-swapped as traditional SIM cards. 

Some Redditors also don’t like that you can’t take an eSIM out. 

Is eSim safe for iPhones?

Yes, eSIMs are considered safe for iPhones. However, it’s important to note that just like traditional SIM cards, eSIMs can also be SIM-swapped. 

Is eSim safe to use?

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use. 

eSIMs are embedded in the device’s motherboard, making them less vulnerable to physical tampering or loss compared to removable SIM cards. The remote provisioning process is protected by strong encryption and security protocols, reducing the risk of unauthorized access during activation.

eSIM profiles and communications are encrypted, with secure elements managing cryptographic keys to protect sensitive information. Only authorized carriers can provision and manage eSIM profiles, limiting unauthorized changes or cloning. Users typically authenticate through device settings or carrier apps to activate or switch profiles, adding extra security.

eSIM technology adheres to industry standards set by the GSMA, including stringent security requirements and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR. eSIMs can also be protected with a PIN, and in case of device theft or loss, users can remotely lock or wipe their eSIM profiles.

While there have been reports of hackers stealing access to mobile numbers via eSIMs, these cases are rare.

Is eSim safer than physical Sim?

Yes, in some ways, eSIMs are safer than physical SIM cards.

eSIM is embedded directly into the device, reducing the risk of physical theft or loss. This makes it inherently more secure than a removable SIM card. Since there is no physical card to remove or replace, the chances of tampering are significantly reduced.

Is eSim Private?

Yes, at least compared to physical SIMs, anyway. eSIM technology offers several privacy benefits over traditional physical SIM cards. 

The lack of a physical SIM card reduces the chances of identity theft and unauthorized access, while activation of an eSIM card is done remotely and securely, reducing the risk of physical SIM swapping or SIM card cloning. 

The provisioning process uses strong encryption to protect your personal data and carrier information from being intercepted.

Users can have multiple eSIM profiles for different purposes (e.g., work and personal), allowing them to separate their activities and protect their privacy across different areas of their lives.

Because eSIM profiles are managed digitally, there’s often less need to share personal information physically, such as when obtaining a new SIM card from a store. Additionally, carriers can securely push updates and changes to users’ eSIM profiles, reducing the need for users to visit a store and share personal information.

eSIM technology adheres to global data protection regulations like GDPR, ensuring that personal data is handled according to strict privacy standards. Carriers using eSIM must comply with privacy laws, providing transparency and control over how user data is used.

eSIM is a technology rather than a product by a particular brand, and there is no single privacy policy associated with it.

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On eSim

Follow the steps below for a more private and secure experience while using eSim technology. 

• Carefully manage profiles. Activate your eSIM through reputable and trusted carriers to avoid potential privacy risks. Periodically check and update your eSIM profiles to ensure no unauthorized profiles are added.
• Secure the activation process. Only use activation codes or QR codes provided directly by your carrier. Avoid sharing these codes with anyone. Activate your eSIM over secure and trusted networks to prevent interception of your activation information.
• Enhance device security. Use device encryption to protect the data stored on your device, including your eSIM profiles. Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps to benefit from the latest security patches and improvements.
• Monitor and manage access. Configure alerts for any unusual activity related to your eSIM profiles through your device’s security settings or carrier app. 
• Use secure communications. Use secure, encrypted messaging apps for any communication related to your eSIM. 
• Conduct regular privacy audits. Review and update the privacy settings on your device regularly to ensure they align with your privacy preferences. Check your carrier’s privacy policy to understand how your data is handled and opt out of unnecessary data sharing where possible.
• Limit data sharing. Limit the permissions granted to apps on your device, especially those related to your eSIM and mobile network. Share the minimum amount of personal data required when setting up or managing your eSIM profiles.
• Implement physical security measures. Always lock your device with a strong PIN, password, or biometric authentication. Enable remote wipe capabilities so you can erase your device’s data if it is lost or stolen.
• Use multiple profiles wisely. Use different profiles for different purposes (e.g., work and personal) to compartmentalize and protect your data. Deactivate or remove profiles you no longer use to reduce potential attack vectors.
• Be cautious of phishing attacks. Be cautious of emails, messages, or calls claiming to be from your carrier. Always verify through official channels before providing any information or following instructions. Stay informed about common phishing tactics and how to recognize them.