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Compromised SIM cards expose firms to supply chain risks, researchers warn

Young woman looks at the screen of her smartphone walking in a pedestrian zone near World Trade Center in the Financial District in Lower Manhattan.
Photo: Getty Images

Research reveals vulnerability in legacy telecoms standards that is being overlooked by finance firms.

​Cybersecurity researchers have demonstrated that rogue or compromised SIM cards can secretly hijack smartphones and cellular-connected equipment. And financial institutions have overlooked this vulnerability in their mobile infrastructure.

The findings, presented on August 10 at the USENIX WOOT 2026 offensive technology conference in Baltimore by researchers from the University of Birmingham and

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