A recent cyberattack on SK Telecom has compromised the personal and USIM data of approximately 25 million customers. After malware was detected on 23 servers, authorities revealed that significant amounts of sensitive information, including International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers, might have been leaked. Following the incident, SK Telecom has offered free USIM card replacements to all users to mitigate potential identity theft risks.
Key Points
- Cyberattack traced back to June 2022, affecting 9.32 gigabytes of USIM-related data.
- Approximately 26.9 million IMSI numbers may have been leaked.
- SK Telecom is providing free USIM replacements and has enrolled users in a protection program.
- Firewalls show no evidence of data transfer from December 2024 to April 2025, but earlier logs are missing.
- The breach has prompted international talks between South Korea and the US to enhance cybersecurity collaboration.
Why should I read this?
If you’re concerned about data security—especially in the telecom sector—this article is a must-read. The breach highlights the vulnerable nature of our personal information and the steps companies are taking (or should be taking) to protect it. With discussions on international cybersecurity cooperation, it’s relevant for anyone interested in the future of telecom safety.