For at least one customer, the lack of verification led to fraudsters taking control of the phone line and gaining access to information including banking SMS one-time passwords (OTPs), raising questions about the vulnerabilities of e-SIMs and whether users' devices are secure.
Similarly, in 2023, an impersonator took over a Circles.Life user's mobile line by hijacking her e-SIM and accessed her WhatsApp account and e-wallets, which were tied to her phone.
The Straits Times explains how e-SIM cards are issued and whether the technology is reliable.
Q How are e-SIMs installed on a device?
A Digital SIM cards, or e-SIMs, are integrated into most modern smartphones built in the last five years, and can connect to a network almost immediately after users purchase a cellular data plan.
They can activate the e-SIM by scanning a QR code provided by their network carrier, granting them access to a phone line and data plan.
Under the Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill, mobile service providers are required to implement measures to prevent fraudulent registration of physical or digital SIM cards, such as to verify the identity of subscribers by checking their IDs. Authentication can also be done remotely via Singpass.
Passed in April, the law came on the back of a surge in cybercrimes involving local mobile lines that had led to some $400 million being lost in 2023. Close to 80 per cent of local SIM cards misused for crime were registered with another person's particulars.
Denne historien er fra December 16, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 16, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på

OLD ART, NEW LOOK, MURAKAMI STYLE
Japanese art history is seen in a new and fun light at Gagosian's Grosvenor Hill art gallery in London.

Hit children's animation Bluey will be on the silver screen
Mickey Mouse and Bluey are expanding their business partnership. BBC Studios and The Walt Disney Company said on Dec 17 that they would collaborate on an animated movie starring Bluey, the Blue Heeler pup who has become a global sensation on children's television.

Hollywood star Tom Cruise awarded US Navy's highest civilian honour
Action movie star Tom Cruise is not only a naval pilot on-screen in the film series Top Gun (1986 to present), but he has also now been given the United States' Navy's highest civilian honour.

Thai film How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies in the shortlist
Thai tear-jerker How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has made the shortlist in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, it was announced in Los Angeles on Dec 17.

Singer Elton John condemns legalisation of marijuana in the US and Canada
Iconic British musician Elton John spoke about his views on drugs, especially marijuana, in a recent interview.

Actress Nicole Kidman experienced 'burnout' shooting sex scenes for Babygirl
At an age when many start to slow down, 57-year-old Australian actress Nicole Kidman is enjoying one of her busiest years yet with three films and three television series in 2024 — and the raunchiest sex scenes of her career.

Squid Game creator still can't believe show's global success
As they tease the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game, the cast and creator of the hit South Korean survivalist drama are still trying to wrap their heads around its global success, which saw its debut season in 2021 become the most-watched series on Netflix.

Binge-worthy A sweet spy comedy on ageing
A MAN ON THE INSIDE Netflix ★★★★☆

The Return recasts Homer's Odyssey, mixed verdict for The Prosecutor
The story: Ralph Fiennes - who better? - portrays Greek king Odysseus of Ithaca.

Stunning visuals lift a timid prequel
The level of detail in Mufasa: The Lion King is astonishing