A Step-by-Step Guide to eSIM and eSIM-Ready Devices

Despite all the advantages, new technologies do not always succeed in quickly displacing old ones. This is especially true for SIM cards that have not changed for years despite the advent of new, more compact formats. Now, the new eSIM standard allows you to completely abandon the physical card, replacing it with a virtual one

What is eSIM?

The embedded SIM is a 5 × 5 mm chip embedded in a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other gadgets. It is soldered into the motherboard during production and saves SIM card data. eSIM can work without or with a physical SIM card. The owner of a gadget with such a chip can switch between several numbers without the need to open the slot and change SIM cards manually. To use the technology, you need a device with a built-in SIM card and a mobile operator that supports eSIM.

Major Pros of eSIM

The positive features of eSim include:

• eSIM takes up three times less space compared to nano-SIM cards. Thanks to this, manufacturers can make devices thinner. This applies to both phones and smartwatches. A phone without holes will be more protected from moisture and dust. eSIM is more resistant to shock and moisture, so the phones of the future will be more reliable.
• To change the operator, you do not need to receive a new SIM-card; this can be done in the phone settings. When concluding a contract with a new operator, you do not need to go to his office — an electronic application is enough.
• Up to five virtual SIM cards can be stored on one eSIM at a time. This is beneficial for those who have several numbers for work and personal calls, and those who buy a local number abroad so as not to pay for roaming. A portable modem with eSim can be a perfect gadget for mobile professionals. At the same time, only one can be active at a time.
• eSIM does not need to be inserted manually.
• eSIM and SIM can be used in parallel on the same device. This means that at the same time a physical card and one of the numbers on eSIM will work.
• The new device can be automatically configured to the previous number by registering it in your mobile account. So you can, for example, use one number on the phone and smartwatch.
• When the phone is stolen, the thief will not be able to get rid of the SIM card and hide the location of the phone. To upload a new profile, he/she will have to enter a password.
• eSIM allows you to remotely configure any gadget. This can lead to a revolution in the world of the Internet of things (a network of devices and objects with sensors that are connected to the Internet).

Interesting fact: Samsung was the first company to introduce eSim into their gadgets. They did it for the Gear S2 Classic 3G smartwatch back in 2016.

eSIM fraud has started becoming popular and the cyber crime police recently even warned about the growing eSIM swapping fraud. It is suggested that users are receiving a message stating that their SIM card will be blocked in 24 hours if the KYC details aren't updated. Following this, the fraudsters contact people under the garb of customer care executives of any of the telecom operators that provide eSIM services.?

Users are then asked to forward an email ID (sent by the fraudsters) to the customer card of that particular telecom operator. The email ID belongs to the scamsters so that they can register their mail IDs to access the user's bank information.?Once the message is sent, an auto-generated message is received regarding the eSIM activation, following which?another message is received that contains a link to a Google form?asking users to fill in details for the KYC updating.

Once users fill in their personal details that also include the bank account number, the eSIM is activated and a QR code is sent to the fraudsters (via email) for them to access the user's phone number as the physical SIM card gets blocked. This way, the scamsters can use the phone number to get OTPs and enter the banking details in e-wallets to steal money from people.

eSIM fraud: How to remain safe?

To stay safe from such online scams, you must stop believing the fraudulent messages they receive. If anyone fishy calls you asking for your information to update your KYC, DO NOT provide any information to the person. Instead, call the actual customer care number and ensure your phone number is safe. Additionally, refrain from sharing your banking details with anyone, be it via a Google form or someone over a call.

If you have fallen prey to an eSIM fraud, immediately contact the customer care to stop the eSIM activation process.