LG Uplus Corp. to begin automatic SIM security updates on the 22nd

[Financial News] LG Uplus Corp. will automatically apply security updates from the 22nd to customers who have yet to update or replace their USIM. They will not need to visit a store or take any separate action, and customers who do not want the update can postpone it until the end of the year.
LG Uplus Corp. said on the 21st that it will roll out automatic USIM and eSIM updates sequentially to protect customers’ mobile telecommunications information. The automatic updates will begin about a month earlier than originally planned.
LG Uplus Corp. introduced a new security system last April that applies random numbers to the subscriber identity number (IMSI) system, and has since been updating USIMs and replacing them free of charge. As of the 20th, approximately 6.589 million customers had completed an update or replacement, representing 38.4% of all subscribers.
Automatic updates are available to lines belonging to customers who have yet to update or replace their USIM and are eligible for an automatic update. This includes individual and corporate customers, MVNO subscribers and eSIM users. Minors and foreign customers are also eligible. However, customers staying overseas cannot receive automatic updates because they cannot use domestic telecommunications networks.
Updates will take place on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. LG Uplus Corp. plans to operate a company-wide customer care operations center to monitor progress in real time and respond to any signs of problems. It will also set up dedicated service counters at 1,709 stores nationwide.
Customers who do not want an automatic update or cannot proceed on the scheduled date can apply to postpone it through the notification text message, the U+one app, the website or the USIM Support Center. Corporate customers can apply through the USIM Support Center. If postponed, the automatic update will be rescheduled for no later than the end of the year; the postponement can be canceled at any time.
LG Uplus Corp. is notifying customers of their scheduled automatic update dates by text message and KakaoTalk AlimTalk at least three times, including two weeks, one week and one day in advance. Advance notices have been going out since the 8th.
Customers who want to take action themselves before the automatic update can update their USIM through the notification text message, app or website, or get it replaced free of charge at a store. Customers whose lines are not eligible for automatic updates—including those using smartwatches or some tablets, older USIMs, or call-forwarding or data-blocking services—can also get a free replacement at a store. LG Uplus Corp. plans to provide outreach services, including temporary service locations, delivery by courier and mobile stores, for remote island and mountainous areas without stores and for digitally vulnerable groups.
LG Uplus Corp. urged customers to beware of spam and smishing messages impersonating the company. Official notification messages will contain only information about the automatic update and buttons; they will not include URL links. Customers will not need to enter personal information for the update. Applications to postpone an update and eligibility checks can be made only through the U+one app, the website or the USIM Support Center.
Lee Sang-yeop, chief technology officer (CTO) of LG Uplus Corp., said, “This automatic update expands the security measures we have been pursuing since last April, allowing customers to have them applied conveniently without submitting a separate request.” He added, “We will operate a customer support system spanning advance notices, 24-hour consultations and on-site support, and help customers receive the security measures without inconvenience.”
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter