Are eSIMs secure? What you need to know

eSIM technology is fast becoming recognised as the easiest way to avoid unexpected roaming charges when travelling. eSIMs also provide the added bonus of eliminating the hassle of having to swap SIM cards as you hop from country to country.

But with the rise of digital connectivity, questions are being raised about its security, such as — are eSIMs secure? Are they safe for sensitive tasks like online banking or international travel?

This article breaks down everything you need to know about the security of eSIMs, helping you make an informed decision on whether they’re the right choice for you.

Before we dive into security, let’s first understand what an eSIM is and how it works.

Unlike traditional SIM cards that require a physical chip, eSIMs are embedded directly into your device. This means you can activate and switch between mobile networks without physically swapping SIM cards.

The eSIM holds the same data as a traditional SIM, including your mobile number and network settings. By scanning a simple QR code or activating your device online, you can connect to your chosen carrier’s network, whether at home or abroad.

But you might be wondering: are eSIMs more secure than traditional SIM cards? Let’s break it down.

eSIM technology comes with a variety of security benefits. At its core, eSIMs use digital security measures that make them more resistant to fraud and hacking compared to their traditional counterparts. Here’s why eSIMs offer robust protection:

• Encryption: Data sent over eSIM networks is encrypted, offering an extra layer of protection. This means it’s far harder for hackers to intercept or misuse the data.

• Remote management: eSIMs are managed remotely by your network provider. If you lose your device or suspect foul play, your network can disable your eSIM remotely, preventing any unauthorised access.

• Multiple profiles: eSIMs allow you to store multiple profiles securely. For example, you could have separate profiles for work and personal use, all safely encrypted on your device.

With these features, eSIM technology provides a higher level of security than traditional SIM cards. However, no technology is entirely immune from threats, so it’s still important to follow best practices for mobile security.

A common concern is whether eSIMs are secure for banking and online purchases. The good news is that eSIMs actually offer some significant advantages in this area. Here’s why:

1. Protection against SIM swapping: Traditional SIM cards are vulnerable to hacking techniques like SIM swapping, where hackers take control of your SIM card to access personal accounts. eSIMs eliminate this risk because there is no physical card to swap.

2. Better encryption: eSIMs come with enhanced encryption technology, safeguarding all transactions, including banking and shopping.

3. Compatibility with mobile payment apps: Services like Apple Pay or Google Pay work seamlessly with eSIMs, providing additional layers of protection through tokenisation and secure payment methods.
   This means that eSIM technology offers a highly secure option for making purchases, transferring money, and other online banking activities.

Although eSIMs are more secure than traditional SIM cards, no technology is completely invulnerable to hackers. Cybercriminals can target any device, but eSIMs reduce many of the risks associated with traditional SIM cards.

The biggest security concern for eSIMs is software vulnerabilities. If hackers exploit weaknesses in the software, they could gain access to your device. However, with regular updates and strong security protocols in place, these risks are greatly reduced.

Here’s how to protect your eSIM:

• Update your device regularly: Ensure your phone’s software is always up-to-date. Updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

• Use strong passwords: Set up a strong lock screen and password for your device. This ensures that even if someone gains physical access to your phone, they can’t access your sensitive data.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Many apps and services support 2FA, which adds an additional layer of security when logging in.

Taking these steps will significantly lower the risk of your eSIM being compromised by cybercriminals.

When travelling, concerns about security rise, especially in places like airports where you are likely to connect to public Wi-Fi networks. With physical SIM cards, there’s a risk of identity theft through SIM swapping. But eSIMs reduce this concern.

Here’s why eSIMs are safer in places like airports:

1. No physical card to steal: With eSIMs, there’s no physical SIM card to remove or replace, making it much harder for criminals to hijack your network access.

2. Remote activation: You can remotely activate or deactivate your eSIM, giving you control over your device and data even in high-traffic areas.

3. Secure mobile data connection: eSIMs connect you to your carrier’s mobile data network, which is generally more secure than relying on unsecured Wi-Fi.Even though eSIMs offer these security advantages, it’s still best to avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities. Consider using a secure mobile hotspot or VPN for extra protection.

Public Wi-Fi networks are notorious for being vulnerable to hacking. Cybercriminals can often intercept unprotected data sent over these networks, including banking details and passwords. eSIMs provide a safer alternative by relying on your mobile carrier’s network, which is generally more secure.

Here’s how eSIMs provide added security over public Wi-Fi:

• No reliance on public networks: With eSIM, you use your mobile network for internet access, which is far more secure than connecting to an open Wi-Fi network.

• Data encryption: Mobile data is usually encrypted by the carrier, meaning your data is much safer than if you were relying on public Wi-Fi.

• Consistent connection: With eSIM, you won’t need to worry about unreliable or insecure Wi-Fi connections during your travels.

If you’re concerned about security while on the go, switching to mobile data via eSIM ensures you stay connected without compromising your safety.

While eSIMs come with enhanced security features, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your device from unauthorised access:

• Set up a strong password: A strong password for your device’s lock screen will help protect your phone from being accessed by anyone who doesn’t have the correct credentials.

• Enable biometric authentication: Using fingerprint or facial recognition adds an extra layer of security to your device.

• Disable unused services: If you don’t need features like NFC or mobile hotspot, turning them off can prevent potential vulnerabilities.

By following these easy steps, you can maximise the security of your eSIM and protect your personal data.

eSIM technology is paving the way for a more secure and convenient way to stay connected.

With built-in encryption, remote management, and the elimination of physical SIM cards, eSIMs provide a high level of security for everything from banking to travel.

eSIMs offer a reliable, affordable, and secure solution to staying connected, whether you’re navigating through unfamiliar destinations or handling sensitive transactions.

Ready to take the leap into secure, seamless connectivity?

Grab an eSIM today and stay safe on your adventures.