GSMA SAS
GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme
Security accreditation for SIM and eSIM production facilities
What is GSMA SAS?
The GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS) is a security certification program for organizations involved in the production, personalization, and management of SIM cards, eSIMs, and related telecom credentials. It is administered by the GSM Association.
GSMA SAS covers two main areas: SAS-UP for UICC (SIM card) production and personalization, and SAS-SM for subscription management platforms (eSIM). The scheme establishes security requirements for facilities, processes, personnel, and IT systems.
Accreditation is required by mobile network operators (MNOs) before contracting with SIM manufacturers and personalization bureaus, making it essential for participation in the mobile telecom supply chain.
Key Highlights
- Administered by GSMA for telecom credential production security
- SAS-UP covers SIM/UICC production and personalization
- SAS-SM covers eSIM subscription management platforms
- Covers physical security, logical security, personnel, and processes
- Required by MNOs for SIM manufacturing contracts
- Assessed by GSMA-approved auditors with annual surveillance
Why is GSMA SAS Important?
SIM cards and eSIMs contain sensitive cryptographic keys and subscriber credentials. GSMA SAS ensures that organizations handling these materials maintain the highest security levels to prevent cloning, fraud, and unauthorized access.
MNO Qualification
Meet mandatory accreditation requirements from mobile network operators to qualify for SIM production and personalization contracts.
Credential Security
Protect sensitive SIM/eSIM cryptographic keys and subscriber credentials throughout the production lifecycle.
Market Access
Access the global mobile telecom market by meeting the industry's recognized security accreditation standard.
Fraud Prevention
Prevent SIM cloning and credential theft through stringent physical and logical security controls.
Industry Trust
Demonstrate to the mobile ecosystem that your facility meets the highest security standards for credential management.
How GSMA SAS Works
GSMA SAS accreditation requires implementing comprehensive security controls for telecom credential production and passing assessment by GSMA-approved auditors.
Scope Determination
Determine whether SAS-UP (UICC production), SAS-SM (subscription management), or both apply to your operations.
Security Assessment
Evaluate current physical security, logical security, personnel security, and process security against GSMA SAS requirements.
Physical Security
Implement facility security including restricted access zones, surveillance, intrusion detection, and secure storage for sensitive materials.
Key Management
Implement cryptographic key management covering key generation, transport, injection, storage, and destruction procedures.
IT Security Controls
Implement network security, system hardening, access controls, logging, and monitoring for production IT systems.
Personnel Security
Implement background screening, security awareness training, segregation of duties, and access management for production staff.
GSMA Audit
Complete the on-site assessment by GSMA-approved auditors and achieve accreditation.
How Srida IT Helps You Achieve GSMA SAS
Our end-to-end consulting process takes your organization from initial assessment to successful certification and ongoing compliance.
Gap Assessment
We evaluate your SIM/eSIM production facility against GSMA SAS-UP and/or SAS-SM requirements to identify security gaps.
Understanding the Business
We study your SIM production workflow, key management systems, personalization processes, and MNO contractual requirements.
Risk Assessment
We assess risks to SIM credential security including physical threats, insider risks, key management vulnerabilities, and supply chain risks.
Policies Writing & Alignment
We develop security policies, key management procedures, access control standards, and operational procedures for GSMA SAS compliance.
Controls Implementation
We implement physical security controls, key management procedures, IT security hardening, and personnel security measures for production environments.
Controls Validation
We validate security controls through physical security reviews, key management audits, penetration testing, and process walkthroughs.
Mock Audit
We conduct a pre-accreditation assessment simulating the GSMA-approved auditor's review to identify and resolve any findings.
Certification Audit Support
We provide on-site support during the GSMA SAS audit by approved auditors and help address any corrective actions.
Annual Internal Audits
We conduct annual security reviews and surveillance preparation to maintain GSMA SAS accreditation.
Documentation Support
We maintain security documentation including key management records, access logs, production records, and all SAS compliance evidence.
Industries That Benefit from GSMA SAS
Ready to Achieve GSMA SAS Compliance?
Get a free gap assessment and discover how Srida IT can guide your organization through GSMA SAS implementation and certification.