What is a USIM?

A USIM is the same physical size and shape as a GSM SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), but it allows the subscriber to connect to 3G networks. It generally holds more data than the 2G SIM, including a more comprehensive phonebook.

How long does data acquisition take?

It takes around 2 minutes for USIMdetective to acquire all of the data from a 3G USIM card, and only 1 minute for a 2G SIM card.

Can I still access the data if the mobile is damaged/broken, or if the battery is dead?

Usually yes, because the SIM inside the mobile (where information is stored) is both shock and water-resistant. The SIM can use any power source to operate, not just that provided by the mobile. USIMdetective has its own power source for the SIM inside its reader.

What if the SIM is protected by a PIN code?

USIMdetective will ask you for the PIN code if required, although most mobile phone users never actually use a PIN. The SIM allows three attempts to guess the PIN before it will deny access to everyone. USIMdetective will warn you if you have only one attempt left.

If the PIN code is not known, the police and security services will usually be able to get a PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) for that SIM from the network provider. This special key bypasses the PIN protection completely allowing access to the information stored.

Many network operators now allow subscribers to obtain their PUK code via their website simply by entering the telephone number of their mobile.

How does USIMdetective work?

USIMdetective understands the communication protocol required to talk to the SIM or USIM inside the mobile phone, and knows where all the information is stored. It mimics the operation of the phone and systematically retrieves all accessible data files on the card.

Importantly, USIMdetective, being a forensic analysis tool, never changes any data stored on the card; it only ever reads data.

Can I purchase multiple licences?

Yes. Please send us an email detailing your order requirement.

Quantaq offers a special discount for any single purchase of 3 licences or more.

What do I need to use USIMdetective?

If your computer does not have any USB ports, don't worry. You can specify a serial port reader instead when you order.

What do I get with USIMdetective?

In addition to the software application itself supplied on CD, SIM Detective comes complete with a smart card reader (USB connection) and a converter to convert mini-SIM size to credit card size.

The SIM once removed from the mobile phone is simply inserted into the converter and snaps into place. The converter is then inserted into the card reader, ready for use.

Can USIMdetective be used with any SIM and in any country?

Yes, provided the phone is a GSM or 3G phone. GSM itself is now a world-wide standard, and all GSM/3G phones contain a SIM.

The design of the SIM is always the same, regardless of country or even mobile phone manufacturer. USIMdetective will tell you which network provider issued the SIM and the country they operate in.

USIMdetective also knows all the international dialling codes (for example, Colombia is "+57") and can be configured with national area codes if required - UK national area codes are provided as standard.

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