How SIM cards work. Part Two: Attack of the Clones

A duplicate MTS SIM card is a full-fledged working copy of a SIM card with the same information that is recorded on the original, the same tariff and total balance. The peculiarity of using such cards is that every action on one card is instantly reflected in the state of the second. That is, changing the tariff plan on the original will necessarily lead to a change in the tariff on the clone; making a call or other paid actions will affect the total balance or the rest of the packages src=»https://operator-wiki.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/ 03/mts-bank-zakryt-kartudublikat-sim-karty-mts.jpg" class="aligncenter" width="700″ height="400″[/img]

With that said, users should consider whether they really need a second card. Moreover, telephone operators registered in Russia do not provide services for copying SIM cards, preferring to leave clients with one copy. At the same time, they immediately carry out the procedure of replacing the SIM card with a new one with similar data if the old one is damaged. Theoretically, this approach is designed to increase the security of clients’ personal data and finances. In reality, it can bring certain inconveniences to subscribers who need an additional card.

Why do you need a SIM card clone?

SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) – subscriber identification module. Incarnated in physical form in 1991, in appearance and size it resembled a bank card. Following the development of telephones, the SIM card also changed: it became smaller and more functional.

Technically, a SIM card is an external processor that stores user data and ensures its authorization on the network. Without it, the phone will not work, and when using another device, the chip must be rearranged.

The need for SIM cloning for a subscriber is due to the expansion of opportunities when using cellular communications.

There are situations when a double is necessary:

• if you have two devices: a smartphone for everyday life and a cheaper model for traveling and playing sports;
• if necessary, use different services on different devices (calls from a phone and the Internet on a tablet);
• if you want to share unlimited Internet or a package of services with loved ones;
• to create a multi-SIM with several phone numbers if the device does not support 2 slots for dual-SIM.

You can also make a SIM clone as a spare card in case the main one gets damaged or lost.

What standards are used in the latest gadgets?

In addition to the usual size, familiar to many owners of old phones, manufacturers use Mini, Micro and Nano-sim slots.

Micro SIM card size is required for Apple devices of generation 4/4s, Nokia Lumia, Sony, Samsung and other manufacturers. But the nano size will be needed for iPhone series 5/5s and newer, as well as on new devices from different manufacturers running the popular Android OS.

Is it legal to duplicate a SIM card?

From the subscriber's point of view, having a copy of the SIM card is convenient and beneficial. But its cloning is prohibited by law, because it can cause a number of problems:

1. Technical failures and distortions. Calls and messages will not be able to simultaneously arrive on several phones with the same number; only the SIM card that registered on the network later will be active. When using a clone, the device may freeze, quality deteriorates, or connection loss may occur.
2. Threat of fraud and theft. Using a copy of the SIM, ill-wishers can gain access to the subscriber’s bank cards, email, and social networks.
3. Lost profits for mobile operators if several people use the same tariff.

If an illegal reproduction of a SIM chip is detected, the mobile provider has the right to block the number and terminate the contract for the provision of communication services.

Part 7: How to find out if my phone is cloned

Since cloning a phone is so easy, you may be concerned that someone else might have done it to your phone.

If so, you can check if your phone is cloned using the following methods:

1. Ask your carrier for your cell phone records. Review all outgoing calls and internet data usage to make sure you did it all. If you are making calls to strange numbers, it is likely that someone has cloned your phone number.
2. If you find anything unusual in your call recordings, you can contact your carrier and ask for a diagnostic test. If there are bugs or the phone is hacked, you will find it.
3. Enter your number into a search service and see if it is present on unwanted sites that you do not use.
4. Dial your own mobile number. If someone answered the call, it means that your SIM card has been cloned.

So as soon as you discover that your number has been hacked, do the following:

1. Check all credit and debit cards to be sure they have not been used.
2. Change PIN codes and passwords for all your accounts.
3. Report the problem to your operator.

How to clone a SIM card yourself

Despite the official ban and the efforts of operators to track clones, it is technically possible to copy a phone's SIM card. The subscriber identification module has a built-in chip that stores digital data. This information can be copied and rewritten to another medium.

To do this, you will need a special device - a SIM card programmer (duplicator). It can be found on Chinese websites or electronics stores. The duplicator should include software for integration with a computer and a set of blank chips for recording.

Step-by-step instructions for cloning a SIM programmer:

1. Connect the device to the computer via USB port and install the application.
2. Disable the PIN code request on the SIM card and place it in a duplicator.
3. Start scanning and copying data, wait for the file to be saved.
4. Install a clean SIM card, run the program again, transfer the data.
5. Place the duplicate SIM in the phone and reboot it.

To create a multi-SIM, you will need a blank of sufficient volume so that it can accommodate clones of several SIM cards.

IMPORTANT! In order for a duplicate to fully function, it must register on the network identically to the original.

The base station identifies the subscriber by a combination of unique digital combinations: IMSI and KI. IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) – international mobile subscriber identifier. It is stored in the SIM card memory and serves to determine the country, mobile network and individual subscriber code. The KI (identification key) is located in a read- and copy-protected area of ​​the SIM card and is duplicated in the operator’s database.

The process of identifying and registering a subscriber in the mobile network is as follows:

1. The base station sends a request to the phone in the form of a random number (RAND).
2. The SIM card processor encrypts the request using the algorithm (A3) and the KI key.
3. As a result of encryption, a number (SRES) is obtained, which in turn is transmitted to the base station.
4. At the same time, a similar process of RAND encryption at the operator is carried out.
5. The authentication server checks its result and the received SPES response. If they match, SIM-card registration is allowed.

And if the IMSI code is easily read from the memory of the cloned SIM, then the KI information is always unavailable. This key can only be “picked up” using cryptanalysis methods (by repeatedly calling and studying the results of the RAND-SPES encryption) and only if the operator uses the COMP128v1 algorithm as A3. This version was used in the production of SIM cards in the 90s, making them easy to clone. Now mobile operators use more secure COMP128v2 and COMP128v3 algorithms.

What to do

The company is not our help, we will invent our own ways. And there is a solution. Before your appointment, download the Megafon eMotion application to one of your devices and use one number for two phones.

eMotion Features

“eMotion” development of an operator for making calls and sending text messages using the Internet. The client who has installed the application can contact any person through it, regardless of whether the other party uses the program or not. You can communicate with subscribers of all operators.

A distinctive feature of the application is that it is linked to a phone number. This is a virtual copy of the number that works via the Internet. Therefore, when calling from “eMotion” or sending an SMS, the recipient’s SIM card number or the name of the caller is displayed if the contact is entered in the phone book. Communication will be made even if the SIM card is not inserted into the device.

As a result, you insert the SIM card into one phone, and in the second you install any card with Internet access and download “eMotion” to it. That's it, one number works for two devices.

True, not everything is as rosy as we would like. As the owner of one number on two smartphones, you can freely call and write to anyone from both devices. But if they call you, then only one phone will signal about it, the second will receive an SMS that such and such a number called. But messages arrive on two gadgets at the same time.

Downloading the application to a third device and its performance has not been tested, you have a great opportunity to be a pioneer.

Cost of using the eMotion program:

1. There are no installation or connection fees.
2. There is no subscription fee.
3. All incoming calls received using the application are free.
4. The cost of outgoing calls is 80 kopecks per minute within the network and 1.5 rubles per minute for calls with any subscribers located in the Russian Federation.
5. The use of packages with free minutes provided on some tariff plans is not provided.
6. There is no charge for sending text messages to other users. Sending regular SMS messages is not possible.

So, if you need to connect your own number on several devices at once, then install the specified application and use its options. The only requirement to use this application is internet access.

Multiphone service

The service has been provided by the telecom operator since 2008. Currently, it has been improved and redesigned into two separate applications, namely: “eMotion” for individuals and “Multiphone” for businesses. The second is an improved version of “eMotion” and is intended for various enterprises.

The presented service allows you to create a telephone connection in an organization in a short time and for a minimal fee. The main difference between Multifon and any other similar services is that when using it, users are tied to one balance.

The main advantage of the service is its low cost. There is no subscription fee or connection fee for users. However, for making outgoing calls there will be a charge of 1 ruble for landline phones and 1.6 rubles per minute for calls throughout Russia.

Service capabilities:

• Conducting office telephone communications, it will be possible to use the following equipment: IP-PBX, VoIP-gateways, IP-phones.
• Ability to make calls over the Internet.
• Using one number in multi-channel mode.

Thus, the presented service is suitable for any organization, as it will provide the opportunity to make all calls from one number without extra costs.

It is possible to use your own number on several devices simultaneously, without purchasing additional SIM cards. Therefore, when you want to add a second phone to the same card, install the eMotion application.

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Sources used:

• https://kakoperator.ru/lifehacks/mozhno-li-imet-dve-sim-karty-na-odin-nomer
• https://help.mts.by/hc/ru/articles/202051922-is it possible-to connect-several-sim-cards-to-one-number-twin-card-
• https://androidlime.ru/one-number-on-two-sim-cards-simultaneously
• https://operator-wiki.com/dublikat-sim-karty-mts.html
• https://tarifam.ru/odin-nomer-na-dve-sim-karty-megafon/

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How to restore a SIM card

Mobile operators are constantly improving their customer service and offering several ways to restore a lost or non-working SIM card.

Megaphone

You can restore or change your SIM for free in the operator’s salon if you have an identification document (power of attorney) or order it online. Delivery is carried out within 1-2 days and may be subject to a fee depending on the location of the subscriber.

Megafon also provides, which can be purchased in advance and, if necessary, activated through the support service.

Beeline

The operator offers 3 ways to restore your SIM:

1. At the service office (official showroom) when the owner applies with a passport. The service is free and available in roaming.
2. Via the Internet after sending an application to the company’s email. Delivery is carried out by courier service, not valid in all regions.
3. By calling Beeline customer support.

Tele 2

Free issuance of a new SIM is carried out in the operator’s salon to the owner or his representative (with a notarized power of attorney). The card stores the number, balance, tariff and connected services.

MTS

The owner (his authorized representative) can duplicate the SIM due to damage or loss by visiting an MTS salon, or use it. The price of transportation can be clarified on the company’s website or in the contact center.

Possible problems

Independent illegal cloning of a card entails the threat of sanctions from the mobile company. If duplicates are detected, it can block all SIMs of the subscriber and refuse to provide him with communication services in the future.

The second SIM card may end up in the hands of scammers who, using the phone number, will restore access to your email account, banking applications and social media accounts.

The expected benefit from duplicating the operator's original SIM card may be negligible compared to the limitations and problems of using it. If you have questions about replacing a SIM card, it is better to contact the employees of any office or communication store, or call technical support.

New “multisim”

This allows a device with one slot to use a SIM card containing several numbers that can be used for calls to different operators, messages, or the Internet.

An important question is how much does such a duplicate MegaFon or Beeline SIM card cost? And here it all depends on where the programmer is purchased. You can order it on Ali for 150-200 rubles, but here they sell from 500 rubles.

Here we will take a closer look at how a Beeline SIM card is replaced with a micro one. There is nothing complicated about this either, you will keep your number, tariff plan, and account.

• Theft of SIM cards by replacing them in the salon. How to cut or change MTS MicroSIM and NanoSIM SIM cards