Over 19 million SKT subscribers enlist in USIM Protection Service post data breach incident
Rewritten Article:
Picture this: A sea of weary travelers gathered at the SK Telecom roaming center, located in Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport, a sight reminiscent of a rock concert crowd – all jostling to change their SIM cards. The scene, snapped on May 4, 2025, by YONHAP, tells a tale of drama unfolding in the tech city of South Korea.
Digging deeper, we uncover the real reason behind this hustle and bustle – a significant cyberattack on SK Telecom, that hit on April 18, 2025. The attack resulted in a shortage of universal subscriber identity module (USIM) cards, forcing the South Korean government to step in and order SK Telecom to temporarily halt new subscriptions [1][2][3]. The aim? To prevent further inconvenience to customers and to enable the telecom giant to rectify the issue effectively.
Sadly, the shortage of USIM cards wasn't an isolated event. It was mostly caused by the aftermath of the cyberattack, where the potential leak of customers' USIM data triggered a massive replacement wave. However, SK Telecom struggled to cater to the sudden wave of demand, resulting in a bitter pill for the customers to swallow [1][3][5].
With the airport scene as a testament to the chaos, it's no wonder that the incident sent shockwaves across the country, leaving many to ponder the darker side of technological advancements. The dust may have settled, but it's crucial to remember the lesson – sometimes, progress comes at a price.
[1] SKT pledges to take responsibility for travelers unable to switch SIMs[2] Gov't orders SKT to notify individual users whose data may have been breached[3] SKT ordered to halt new subscriptions until SIM shortage resolved[5] Insufficient USIM cards cause chaos at Incheon International Airport
- The international community watched with concern as the South Korean government ordered a halt on new SK Telecom subscriptions due to a significant cyberattack, causing a SIM card shortage.
- The South Korean government and industry giants must collaborate to address the growing threats in the defense and cybersecurity sectors, as evident from the SK Telecom attack’s impact on business and travel.
- In the aftermath of the cyberattack, global telecommunications companies should invest more in technology and infrastructure to prevent similar SIM card shortages and customer inconvenience.
- As South Korea's tech industry continues to flourish, it's essential to prioritize security measures across all industries, including defense, business, and travel, to prevent the proliferation of such cyberattacks.
