Kim Seung-joo, Professor: "SKT Hack, Excessive Anxiety Should Be Avoided… USIM Protection Service is Sufficiently Responsive"

A security expert of the highest level in the Republic of Korea pointed out that an excessive sense of social anxiety is spreading related to the recent SK Telecom USIM hacking incident, surpassing the actual risk.

On the 29th, appearing on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," Professor Kim Seung-joo from Korea University's Graduate School of Information Security stated, "There is no need to be engulfed in fear," adding, "For domestic subscribers, simply subscribing to the USIM protection service is a sufficient response."

Professor Kim is well-known in the field of information security for being the first to demonstrate a smart TV hacking simulation in the world and for successfully developing a high-grade secure operating system in the Republic of Korea.

"Low Risk of Financial Transactions and Forgery Damage"

The information leaked through the SK Telecom hacking is reported to include subscriber unique numbers, phone numbers, and service plans.

Professor Kim conveyed that "the common assessment among security experts is that critical personal information such as account numbers, resident registration numbers, and addresses were not leaked."

He also analyzed that, even if USIM information is leaked, "our financial system operates dual or triple security mechanisms, such as joint certificates and OTPs, making the likelihood of secondary damage like financial transactions or identity document forgery very low."

"Subscribing to the USIM Protection Service is the Most Effective Response"

Professor Kim emphasized that the key to practically responding to hacking is the USIM protection service, explaining, "This service detects and blocks attempts to access the network through USIM duplication in advance."

He continued, "Even if a fake USIM is used, if the same USIM information attempts access simultaneously, the telecom company's detection system can immediately recognize and block it," asserting that "we already possess an active defensive system capable of blocking real damage before it occurs."

The USIM protection service plays a crucial role in significantly enhancing security by detecting and preventing device changes or communication access in the case of illegal duplication.

"Spreading Unverified Scenarios, Rather Ruins Response"

Before his broadcast appearance, Professor Kim expressed his concerns through his blog, stating, "Unverified information and speculative scenarios are indiscriminately spreading through public opinion."

He pointed out that "extreme concerns such as massive personal data leaks, real-time tracking possibilities, and financial damages have not yet been confirmed as facts, and such excessive anxiety can actually interfere with effective responses."

However, there is currently a limitation that requires overseas roaming functionality to be disabled in order to use SK Telecom's USIM protection service.

SK Telecom plans to improve the service so that roaming users can also utilize the USIM protection service between May and June. For those planning to go abroad, it is possible to respond by visiting a store at the airport to replace the USIM.

Image source: Photo = SK Telecom, reference materials for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, News1