The act of duplicating a cellular telephone identifier allows an unauthorized individual to make calls and send messages while impersonating the original subscriber. This entails gaining access to and copying the SIM card information, specifically the IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and Ki (Authentication Key), or manipulating network systems to associate a different device with the targeted number. Such activity is illegal and carries significant risks for the involved parties.
This type of compromise can result in substantial financial loss for the legitimate account holder, along with potential damage to reputation and exposure of personal data. Historically, vulnerabilities in older cellular networks and SIM card technology have made this practice more feasible, though advancements in security protocols have significantly reduced the risk. However, determined individuals may still seek to exploit weaknesses in systems or through social engineering techniques.
