Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, held a meeting on the 28th to explain the situation regarding the hacking damage to internal members. SK Telecom is also reportedly considering introducing a software (SW) initialization technology that is currently under development for customers.
According to the telecommunications industry, Ryu noted that he held a briefing for internal members via internal broadcasting (GBS) at 9:30 a.m. on the same day to share the situation following the SK Telecom hacking incident.
During the briefing, SK Telecom stated that the call volume at the customer service center increased tenfold compared to normal and that the operating hours were extended to 8 p.m. They also explained that online websites and offline stores were overwhelmed with an influx of subscribers.
They emphasized that they are doing their best to share the hacking incident via text message (MMS) and to take protective measures for customers, such as a free replacement of the USIM.
In the briefing, SK Telecom reportedly discussed not only the existing USIM replacement plan but also the introduction of the software (SW) initialization method that is currently under development as part of customer protection measures.
Currently, the 'USIM 2.0' being developed by SK Telecom is a technology that changes or initializes some of the software information linked to the network input in the existing USIM hardware. SK Telecom expects that once this technology development is completed, it will be able to change the digital information values of the existing USIM without replacing it.
A representative from SK Telecom stated, "This briefing was arranged to share the company's crisis situation with internal members and to encourage overcoming the current situation together." They further noted, "Since the SW initialization method was mentioned to help members understand, it is difficult to confirm the timing of its introduction."
They emphasized, "Currently, we are making every effort to resolve customer complaints regarding USIM replacements."