Scammers bypassing operator’s identity verification and taking over phone numbers using eSIM technology are concerning issues. This type of attack, often called SIM swapping or eSIM hijacking, involves fraudsters gaining control of a victim’s phone number by exploiting vulnerabilities in the identity verification process. More about the eSIM hack and ways to protect yourself, find out below.

According to a recent report in The Irish Times, a reader experienced a significant security breach when scammers bypassed Vodafone’s identity verification process and took control of his phone using an eSIM.

“With the eSIM, they were able to control my account—receive and send SMS and receive and make phone calls , the user said.

The criminals then attempted to transfer €11,000 from the individual’s bank account. This incident has left Vodafone perplexed and has led them to notify both An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commissioner.

Here’s how it typically happens and what you can do to protect yourself:

How Scammers Bypass Vodafone’s Identity Verification

1. Social Engineering:

• • Scammers gather personal information about the victim (e.g., through phishing, data breaches, or social media).
  • They contacted Vodafone’s customer service, impersonated the victim, and provided enough personal details to pass identity checks.

2. Exploiting Weak Verification Processes:

• • If Vodafone’s identity verification process is not robust, scammers may trick customer service representatives into transferring the victim’s number to a new eSIM.

3. eSIM vulnerabilities:

• • eSIMs (embedded SIMs) allow users to activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. Scammers exploit this by convincing the carrier to issue an eSIM for the victim’s number, effectively taking control of the phone number.

4. Insider Threats:

• • In some cases, scammers may collude with employees or use bribes to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s account.

Consequences of eSIM Hijacking

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Bypass: Many services use SMS-based 2FA. If scammers control the victim’s phone number, they can intercept OTPs (one-time passwords) and gain access to banking, email, or social media accounts.
• Financial Theft: Scammers can drain bank accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or apply for loans in the victim’s name.
• Identity Theft: With access to the victim’s phone number, scammers can reset passwords and take over other accounts linked to the number.

How to Protect Yourself from eSIM hacks

1. Avoid SMS-Based 2FA:
   • Use app-based 2FA (e.g., Google Authenticator, Daito) or hardware security keys instead of SMS-based verification.
2. Enable Account Security Features:
   • Set up a PIN or password with your mobile carrier to add an extra layer of protection to your account.
3. Monitor Your Accounts:
   • Regularly check your bank accounts, email, and mobile carrier account for suspicious activity.
4. Be Cautious with Personal Information:
   • Avoid sharing sensitive information online or over the phone, and be wary of phishing attempts.
5. Contact Your Carrier:
   • Inform Vodafone or your mobile carrier about the risks of eSIM hijacking and request additional security measures for your account.
6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
   • Ensure your online accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
7. Consider a Dedicated Security Service:
   • Some services, like Google Advanced Protection or identity theft protection services, can help secure your accounts.

What to Do If You’re already a Victim

1. Contact Operator Immediately:
   • Report the incident and request that your number be frozen or restored to your control.
2. Change Passwords:
   • Reset passwords for all critical accounts (e.g., email, banking, social media).
3. Notify Your Bank:
   • Inform your bank and credit card companies about the potential breach to prevent unauthorized transactions.
4. File a Police Report:
   • Report the incident to local law enforcement and provide any evidence of the scam.
5. Monitor for Further Fraud:
   • Keep an eye on your credit report and accounts for any signs of ongoing fraud.

Vodafone’s Responsibility

Vodafone and other carriers must strengthen their identity verification processes to prevent eSIM hijacking. This includes:

• Implementing multi-factor authentication for account changes.
• Training customer service representatives to recognize social engineering attempts.
• Notifying customers immediately of any SIM or eSIM changes.

If you believe Vodafone’s security measures were inadequate, you may consider filing a complaint with regulatory authorities or seeking legal advice.

Staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to secure your accounts can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to eSIM hijacking or SIM swapping scams.

eSIM Hack and Broader Implications 

This concrete case from the start highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and the vulnerabilities in current security measures. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has previously noted that online fraud has reached ‘industrial’ levels, posing increasingly complex challenges for law enforcement.

But it also underscores the importance of consumer awareness and proactive security measures.