The trvllr. platform and eSIM operate on the SGP.32 standard and there is a very good reason for this. The introduction of SGP.32 is a significant step in the evolution of eSIM technology, particularly for IoT and consumer devices. Unlike previous standards, which relied on a more rigid and carrier-controlled provisioning system, SGP.32 introduces a flexible, cloud-based approach that simplifies how eSIMs are deployed and managed.
This shift is particularly relevant for consumers who rely on eSIMs for international travel and roaming, as it promises greater ease of use, more carrier options, and potentially lower costs.
For frequent travellers, the benefits of this new standard will be substantial. With a more streamlined provisioning process, consumers may no longer be tied to specific mobile network operators for eSIM activation. Instead, they could switch between different carriers more seamlessly, choosing the best available data plans in different countries without having to rely on physical SIM cards or pre-registered profiles.
This will also lead to better roaming rates, as travellers gain access to a more competitive marketplace of local and regional eSIM providers, rather than being locked into expensive international roaming packages from their home carrier. Additionally, the improved standardisation of eSIM activation could enhance device compatibility, reducing the likelihood of users encountering issues when trying to install a new profile abroad.
While the adoption of SGP.32 is still in its early stages, it represents a major step toward making eSIMs the default connectivity solution for travellers. However, full integration across mobile networks and eSIM providers will take time, meaning that many travel eSIM vendors may continue relying on older provisioning methods until carriers widely implement the new framework.
Yet while consumers may celebrate the increased flexibility of eSIMs, businesses have good reason to approach this shift with caution, especially when employees use eSIM-enabled devices to access corporate networks and confidential data. The ability to easily download and switch eSIM profiles raises several security concerns that could put corporate IT teams on high alert.
One of the primary risks is data security and interception. Employees could unknowingly install unverified or compromised eSIM profiles from lesser-known providers, potentially exposing their mobile traffic to man-in-the-middle attacks or surveillance by third parties. If an eSIM provider routes traffic through a foreign jurisdiction, there may be little visibility into how securely that data is handled. This is particularly concerning for industries that handle sensitive or regulated data, such as finance, healthcare, or government agencies, where data residency laws could be violated without the employee even realising it.
Another major concern is the loss of corporate control over mobile connectivity. Traditionally, businesses have relied on mobile device management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies on corporate phones, but these systems may struggle to monitor secondary eSIMs that employees install independently. If a device switches between different eSIMs without IT approval, security policies such as network encryption, VPN enforcement, or multi-factor authentication requirements could be bypassed. This creates a "shadow IT" problem, where employees unknowingly introduce security risks by using unapproved networks that lack corporate-grade security controls.
Additionally, there is the issue of corporate compliance and network access control. Some organisations enforce strict rules regarding which mobile carriers employees can use when accessing internal servers, largely to prevent security breaches or unauthorised data transfers. However, with the ease of downloading eSIM profiles, an employee could switch to a personal or foreign eSIM, bypassing these security measures without IT ever knowing. This makes it harder for businesses to audit traffic, detect potential security incidents, or enforce compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, or industry-specific security frameworks.
To mitigate these risks, businesses need to take a proactive approach. Implementing clear eSIM policies that restrict which profiles can be installed on company devices is a good starting point. IT departments should also leverage enhanced MDM solutions that provide better visibility into which eSIMs are active on corporate devices and enforce security protocols regardless of the active profile. Employee education is another crucial piece of the puzzle; many users may not be aware of the risks associated with unverified eSIM providers, and a well-informed workforce is less likely to make risky connectivity decisions.
Another layer of protection comes from Network Access Control (NAC) solutions, which can verify that an employee is using an authorised eSIM profile before allowing access to sensitive systems. By ensuring that only approved corporate eSIMs can connect to internal networks, companies can reduce the risk of data breaches caused by unauthorised mobile connections.
As eSIM adoption continues to grow and standards like SGP.32 take hold, businesses will need to balance the convenience of eSIM technology with the security risks it introduces. While eSIMs undoubtedly provide greater flexibility and efficiency, organisations must remain vigilant in ensuring that these benefits do not come at the cost of compromised security and regulatory compliance.
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