Why PUK numbers are available online

[User]

I was considering to switch on SIM PIN protection for additional security. Before doing that, I was curious to find my PUK number.

While doing so, I have suprisingly found that that my PUK code is publicly available online on https://www.o2.co.uk/help/phones-sims-and-devices/unblock-your-phone if I enter my phone number.

If I understand correctly, that is a complete security breach in the sense that even if I have an activated SIM PIN lock, any thief who steals my phone can just enter 3 random PINs incorrectly, and then use the PUK from the web-site just by entering my number.

I have assumed that the PUK should be protected by a mobile operator and be provided to a mobile network customer only after necessary verification is provided.

Could you advise, please, do I miss anything?

[User]

@Bambino, thank you. I don't know details, but my understanding that for some other mobile networks they at least require to fill in some form or to contact their customer support. I don't know if their customer support requires anything in addition to the mobile number (i.e. if e.g. they require a secret passcode or date of birth), but at least it is not possible to get the PUK by just entering a phone number online.

I really appreciate your responses. I am curious if it is fair to expect some response from O2 officials on this forum as well, or it might be the best to write to them somewhere. If the latter, could you advise, please, where it might be the best to write to?

[MI5]

@User 

There is no one employed by O2 on here.

If you wish to write to O2, the details are:

O2 Correspondence Team
PO BOX 694
Winchester
SO23 5AP

[Bambino]

You're welcome, @User  You can Google the email address for O2's CEO (for some silly reason we're not allowed to give it to you here) and write to him. I will also tag our community managers @Martin-O2 and @Marjo who might be able to shed some more light on the subject for you when they come back to work after the holiday.

[Martin-O2]

Thanks for the tag on this @Bambino. 

@User I'll check with the team and see if I can get a bit more information around this.