eSIM Security via Device Signature and Geolocation Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

5G electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) face vulnerabilities such as identity theft, fraudulent cloning, and unauthorized activation due to software vulnerabilities, which compromise security and authenticity.

Innovation Solution

A monitoring software application (MSA) is installed on mobile devices, requesting root access to verify user identities by correlating device signatures with geographical locations and usage patterns, requiring additional verification for suspicious activities, and ensuring eSIMs are only activated within geographically restricted areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If eSIM activation is restricted to geographically verified locations, then security against unauthorized activation and cloning is improved, but device complexity and user operation difficulty increase due to root access requirements and monitoring software

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveeSIM activation securityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary geolocation verification and device signature assessment before eSIM activation occurs. The monitoring software checks whether the device's current location matches the geolocation associated with the subscriber identity, and whether the device signature matches the eSIM profile, preventing unauthorized activation before it can compromise security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A monitoring software application acts as an intermediary layer between the eSIM management system and the device. This intermediary verifies device signatures, checks geolocation data, and enforces security policies without requiring direct modifications to the eSIM hardware or core network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If geolocation verification is performed for eSIM activation, then authenticity of user identity is improved, but activation time and processing duration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser identity authenticityVSAvoidactivation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Geolocation data and device signature information are collected and verified in advance during the activation process. The system assesses whether the device's current location matches the expected geolocation and whether the device signature corresponds to the eSIM profile before completing activation, enabling faster processing without sacrificing verification thoroughness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11997753B2Facilitation of security for electronic subscriber identity module for 5G or other next generation network

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIM) can be more susceptible to hackers and more vulnerable than physical subscriber identity modules. The current disclosure discusses systems and methods to facilitate eSIM security by utilizing a management software application (MSA) hosted on a mobile device. This MSA can cross-reference eSIM registration data with mobile device signature data to determine if the correct user identity is associated with mobile device prior to an eSIM being issued to the mobile device. Additionally, various degrees of data flagging can be utilized to allow an end user to properly address an indication of mobile device vulnerability.