eSIM Threat Model Guide: Assess Your Privacy Needs

What Is a Threat Model?

A threat model is a structured approach to understanding your security needs. It identifies what you are protecting, who you are protecting it from, and what tools and techniques are appropriate for your situation. PrivateSims recommends that every user develop a basic threat model to choose the right level of mobile privacy.

Building Your Mobile Threat Model

Ask yourself these key questions:

• What am I protecting? Identity, location, communications, browsing activity
• Who am I protecting it from? Advertisers, hackers, employers, governments
• What are the consequences of failure? Targeted ads, identity theft, job loss, imprisonment
• How much effort am I willing to invest? Basic privacy vs. comprehensive anonymity

Threat Levels and Recommended Setups

Level 1 - Basic Privacy: Anonymous eSIM + VPN. Suitable for most users wanting to avoid data collection and targeted advertising.

Level 2 - Enhanced Privacy: Anonymous eSIM + VPN + encrypted messaging + privacy browser. Suitable for journalists, business travelers, and privacy enthusiasts.

Level 3 - Maximum Security: Dedicated device + anonymous eSIM + Tor + GrapheneOS + strict OPSEC. Suitable for whistleblowers, activists in hostile environments, and high-risk individuals. See our whistleblower guide for detailed setup instructions.

FAQ

Do I really need a threat model?

Yes. Without understanding your specific risks, you might either under-protect yourself or waste effort on unnecessary measures. A simple threat model takes minutes but guides all your privacy decisions.

What threat level do most people need?

Most people benefit from Level 1 or Level 2 protection. An anonymous eSIM from PrivateSims combined with basic privacy tools provides strong protection against the most common threats.