Why in the news?

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed online messaging platforms to bar users from accessing their services without the SIM card used to register for the application.

SIM Binding

• What is it?: SIM Binding is a security feature that links a user’s mobile SIM card to a specific application or service to verify identity and prevent fraud.
• Aim: It ensures that only the SIM card registered with the service can access the app or perform sensitive transactions.
• Importance
  • Prevents SIM-swap fraud, where criminals duplicate SIM cards to steal OTPs.
  • Stops unauthorized logins to apps using stolen devices.
  • Secures UPI, banking, and financial transactions.
  • Ensures that transactions originate from the registered SIM only.
• Security Advantages
  • Enhances two-factor authentication (2FA).
  • Reduces dependence on OTP alone (more secure than SMS OTP).
  • Detects illegal SIM cloning or SIM-jacking.
  • Provides device-level + SIM-level authentication.
• Limitation
  • If a user genuinely replaces a SIM, re-verification is required.
  • If phone is stolen with the SIM inside, risk still remains (mitigated with app lock/biometrics).
  • Vulnerable if the telecom operator is compromised.
  • Not useful for WiFi-only devices.

Source: The Hindu