eSIMs allow users to switch carriers quickly, making them popular for people on the go, but their digital nature makes them vulnerable to hackers.
One way they can be hacked is via QR code scams, where fake codes can redirect a user’s phone to a malicious eSIM profile, enabling the hacker to intercept calls and messages and jeopardise financial security.
Phishing is also a risk, with convincing messages seeming to be from a user’s carrier asking them to reveal sensitive details or download malignant eSIM profiles.
There is also the risk of malware and spyware, with malicious apps able to access eSIM information and monitor a user’s device, although this is a rare occurrence.
It is also advised to keep iOS and Android systems up to date to avoid vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems that could be exploited by attackers.
Though eSIM attacks are less common, with the increase in eSIM usage, they are becoming more targeted, so it is important to be aware ofguards.
To stay safe, it is best to verify QR codes with carriers, not scan codes from untrusted sources, and not respond to suspicious messages, and only download apps from trusted sources.
