LG Uplus Partially Reflected Real Phone Numbers in Subscriber ID Generation

Concerns about communication security have been raised following the revelation that LG Uplus has been reflecting parts of subscriber phone numbers when generating International Mobile Subscriber Identities (IMSI), a key piece of telecommunication subscriber identification. IMSI is a 15-digit identifier stored on USIM cards, crucial for distinguishing user identities within the network.

LG Uplus has maintained a method of combining parts of a subscriber's actual phone number to generate IMSI values, contrasting with SK Telecom and KT, which operate random number-based arbitrary assignment systems. LG Uplus states that it applied the past system due to a lack of clear international standards during the early stages of 4G mobile communication introduction, asserting that this was not a violation of regulations. However, experts point out that IMSI, when combined with other information, could lead to the creation of duplicate phones or security breaches.

In response, LG Uplus plans to comprehensively overhaul its subscriber identification system and enhance personal information protection by adopting next-generation technology. The company will discuss countermeasures with relevant authorities and begin offering free USIM card replacements and resets for customers who opt-in starting next month on the 13th. Furthermore, in November, it will apply the latest technology to automatically convert IMSIs to a random number-based system through a software upgrade, strengthening security without physical replacement.

Notably, LG Uplus will mandate 100% adoption of Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) technology in its upcoming 5G Standalone (SA) mode. This cutting-edge security communication technology encrypts subscriber identification information during transmission, completely blocking external exposure and significantly elevating the level of information protection. Through these security enhancement measures, LG Uplus aims to update its subscriber identification management system and boost security reliability by completing technical checks.

This article was generated by AI and reviewed by a human.