Once upon a time, taking your smartphone abroad was an expensive activity due to the global roaming charges levied by cellphone networks. Fortunately, eSIMs solve this annoying problem.

Digital SIM cards enable instant carrier switches and localized data packages that do away with roaming fees, which is a cheaper, more efficient way to travel with a smartphone. The question is, which eSIM provider should you choose?

This blog will compare Saily and Airalo, two leading eSIM merchants. Both offer smart connectivity that standard cellphone providers cannot match. Let’s discover which one meets your traveling needs.

What is Saily?

Created by Nord Security in 2024, Saily is an exciting new eSIM app that builds on the expertise that created NordVPN and NordLayer. Saily gives smartphone users freedom about how they use their phones worldwide. It will help block ads and secure your browsing with DNS filtering while choosing from data plans to suit anyone’s needs.

What is Airalo?

Airalo is an established eSIM provider with over 10 million global customers. Founded to provide cross-border data connectivity and work around roaming restrictions, Airalo offers data packs for more than 200 destinations. Customers download the app, choose their package, and benefit from instant data, the moment they arrive.

Saily vs. Airalo: a comprehensive comparison

Saily and Airalo provide similar services. Both vendors work in the eSIM space, filling the gap left by traditional telecom providers. However, beyond that fundamental similarity, some significant differences might sway your purchasing decision.

Disclaimer: The information about eSIM features in this comparison table below was last verified on eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 8, 2025. On the same date, Trustpilot ratings were also checked on Saily’s and Airalo’s Trustpilot pages. Since this information is subject to change, we recommend visiting respective websites for the latest details when making a purchase.

eSIM plans

Saily majors on flexible plans, giving customers maximum choice about data amounts and plan durations. Plan sizes vary from 1 GB to 100 GB, and durations range from one week to a year. Travelers can choose an eSIM that matches their travel plans. If you’re jetting into Thailand for a week or relocating to Brazil for a year, there’s a plan for you.

Airalo provides a choice of local, regional, and global eSIM packages. Customers can save money with an eSIM for a single country or spend more for regional flexibility. Saily is equally flexible, offering eSIMs that automatically switch carriers as you travel across borders. For example, there’s no need to juggle national SIMs as you travel around Europe.

Airalo is less flexible about plan durations. Customers can choose from one-day, 7-day, or 15-day packages for most countries (365 and 180-day passes are available with global coverage). Customers may need to recharge their data regularly if they aren’t sure how long they will be in a country.

Both Airalo and Saily provide instant connectivity. Customers can get started immediately, provided they have the right eSIM for their location.

Global coverage

Saily and Airalo operate globally, with an impressive range of countries and regions. Wherever you intend to travel, you can confidently expect data coverage.

Both vendors offer plans for over 200 countries and territories. Travelers intending to visit North Korea may be out of luck, as Saily and Airalo are not available there. Otherwise, both eSim providers have your back.

Pricing

Global coverage and flexible plans are great, but not if they come at an unacceptable price. Luckily, both Airalo and Saily offer affordable prices for their eSIM services.

Firstly, the good news. eSIMs from both providers are much cheaper than comparable roaming plans from cellphone companies. However, our price comparison finds Saily is slightly more affordable than Airalo. These differences can be significant for particular destinations.

The table below shows sample prices for some of the most popular countries.

Disclaimer: The prices shown below refer to one week, 1 GB packages and include the cheapest plans, last verified on eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 8, 2025. Since prices may change, we recommend checking the providers’ websites, especially at checkout, for the most up-to-date pricing information before making a purchase.

The prices above refer to national plans, but what about global eSIM packages? Again, Saily is the more affordable option. Global 20 GB, 365-day plans with Airalo cost $69, while an identical plan with Saily costs $66.90.

Speed and performance

Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, speed and performance are not optional extras. Reliable connectivity allows you to work productively without disruption. And when you’re relaxing, nobody likes broken streams or sluggish download times.

Both Saily and Airalo rely on local partners to provide internet connectivity, so this comparison does not directly reflect the performance of either eSIM provider. Nevertheless, the choice of partner influences local speeds. But is this the case with either company?

In real-world tests, both eSIM providers perform well. Local partners often deliver 5G connectivity, which feels fast wherever you use it. There are no significant issues with reliability, outside extremely remote regions.

Ease of use

With Saily, users pick a plan and download the app. The plan automatically activates when visitors touch down. You can also buy a plan and wait up to 30 days before activating it, giving users space to sort out travel plans and avoid the pre-flight rush.

The Airalo activation process is virtually identical. Users choose their preferred plan and make a payment. They then download the app, install the eSIM, and activate the product when needed. Unlike Saily, Airalo involves scanning a QR code. If you aren’t comfortable with that, look at Saily first.

The Airalo app is easy to use but marginally more cluttered than Saily. Even so, you should have few problems locating the ideal eSIM.

Customer support

While Airalo and Saily are reliable eSIM vendors, unexpected downtime is always a possibility. After all, both companies rely on in-country networks to deliver connectivity. The question is, how well do they respond when issues arise?

Both companies claim to offer comprehensive customer support. For instance, Airalo provides customer support options via all major social media platforms. You can also reach support staff by email if needed.

However, there’s a catch. Trustpilot reviews mention sluggish and low-quality responses from the Airalo team. Some reviewers mention problems obtaining data connectivity in emergencies. That’s not a good look for an eSIM provider. In contrast, Saily’s reviews show a more positive reception overall, though occasional complaints still arise.

Feedback for Saily’s customer support tends to be positive. Customers regularly report swift resolutions when problems arise, including refunds for imperfect experiences. Saily provides a 24/7 live chat function via the app. Expect automated help initially, although human assistance is on hand to field emergency queries. Saily recognizes that eSIM customers rely on connectivity and respond rapidly when connectivity fails.

Online reputation

Online reviews aren’t everything when purchasing online, but it’s wise to consider feedback. So, where do Saily and Airalo stand in the eSIM discussion?

Saily’s 4-star Trustpilot rating is pretty good for an eSim provider. Reviewers regularly applaud the app’s simplicity and the willingness of customer support staff to resolve connection issues quickly. Some customers experience performance problems, but, as mentioned earlier, variation is unavoidable when dealing with third-party networks.

Airalo has a less favorable Trustpilot rating. Customers like the simple setup process and appealing prices. Many reviewers also highlight the strong global coverage. However, reviewers report issues with eSIMs not working in some countries and sluggish support. So, this is an area where Saily wins out.

Extra features

Both companies understand that customers want more than simple connectivity. You’ll find plenty of extras that enhance the user experience and even save on future purchases.

One of the extra benefits of using a Saily eSIM is enhanced smartphone security. That’s because Saily doesn’t just provide affordable data connectivity. Users can also turn on the adblocker to help shut out annoying pop-ups that drain data and reduce speeds.

There’s also a web protection feature that helps block malicious downloads and tracking cookies. Both of these services tend to deliver faster speeds. More importantly, they can also help safeguard user privacy, a useful feature if you travel in countries known for surveillance activities.

Saily draws on NordVPN’s expertise to switch locations seamlessly. If you want to access your subscribed US TV shows in Italy while traveling, switch to US data providers, and the app will assign you a virtual location back home to your paid subscription.

Airalo has some perks as well (although security is not one of them). Customers can easily keep track of data usage in the app and monitor top-ups to avoid surprises. Customers can earn $3 off their next purchase by referring a friend, while regular purchasers earn cashback (Airmoney) as they buy more data.

Even so, Saily matches many of these features. For instance, Saily pays users $5 when they refer friends to the eSIM service. Users also receive automatic updates when they hit 80% of their data allowance, enabling seamless top-ups.

Overall, both vendors go beyond the norm. At the moment, Saily’s security add-ons place it ahead of Airalo.

Saily vs. Airalo: which one to choose?

Companies like Saily and Airalo are revolutionizing global travel. Internet connectivity used to be an expensive luxury when moving between countries. Now, eSIMs make surfing the web affordable, fast, and secure. There are almost no boundaries to global roaming.

Both Saily and Airalo are reliable vendors for your next eSIM purchase. Expect instant connectivity, flexible data allowances, and lower costs. However, Saily stands out with stronger customer support, 24/7 live chat, and a higher Trustpilot score. Airalo offers wide coverage, but reviews point to slow responses and setup issues. Both apps are intuitive and easy to navigate, and topping up data feels perfectly natural from the start.

Both Airalo and Saily offer coverage in 200+ countries. You’ll almost certainly benefit from an Airalo eSIM compared with traditional cellphone roaming. However, a couple of factors elevate Saily above Airalo for travelers.

Firstly, Saily is usually slightly cheaper than Airalo. In some countries, Saily’s eSIMs are significantly less expensive for short and medium-term packages. For instance, a 1GB 7-day eSIM for Thailand costs $2.99 with Saily but $4.50 with Airalo. Travelers to Brazil pay $39.99 with Saily for 30-day 20GB packages, or $42 with Airalo. So, on price alone, Saily may be a better option for upcoming trips.

Additionally, Saily is the better option for security-conscious travelers. Saily’s app reflects Nord Security’s expertise. Users benefit from ad-blocking and web protection, making it safer to communicate or stream your favorite paid home content while traveling.

Disclaimer: The prices shown above were last verified on the eSIM providers’ official websites as of April 17, 2025. And this article is for informational purposes and compares Saily and Airalo’s eSIM business-to-consumer services. Please note that if you are interested in purchasing Saily for business purposes, the pricing and offerings may vary to better suit your organization’s needs.

ChatGPT is transforming enterprise workflows, but its rapid adoption raises serious security concerns. While artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots streamline tasks and boost efficiency, they also introduce new risks—such as handling sensitive data, generating misleading content, and unknowingly enabling cyber threats. With 74% of breaches involving social engineering, attackers increasingly exploit AI-generated interactions to deceive users.

As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become more advanced, enterprises must be proactive in securing their use of AI. This article will answer the question: “Is ChatGPT safe?”, explore real-world incidents, and outline best practices to keep you away from risks.

The advancing role of AI in business security

As businesses integrate AI chatbots into customer support, internal operations, and even cybersecurity processes, the technology becomes both an asset and a target. AI-based technologies can strengthen security by detecting threats, automating compliance, and improving fraud detection. But, they can also introduce risks if misconfigured or maliciously exploited.

For example, AI-driven security tools can analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies, helping prevent breaches before they occur. However, bad actors also use AI to automate cyber-attacks, generate convincing phishing emails, and bypass traditional security measures. The challenge for enterprises is to ensure that AI strengthens security rather than becomes an entry point for attackers.

By understanding both the advantages and vulnerabilities of ChatGPT adoption, organizations can implement the right strategies to harness its power safely.

Key ChatGPT security risks

As AI adoption accelerates in the enterprise space, so do the security risks associated with tools like ChatGPT. Understanding these risks is crucial for businesses to implement effective safeguards.

1. Exposure of sensitive data

One of the greatest risks of using AI chatbots is the accidental exposure of sensitive data. Employees may input confidential information, customer records, or proprietary strategies into the chatbot without realizing that OpenAI or third-party providers might store or analyze this data. This can lead to compliance violations and unintended data leaks.

2. Social engineering attacks

Threat actors can use ChatGPT to craft highly convincing phishing emails or impersonate legitimate users in real-time conversations. Cybercriminals may use AI-generated content to trick company employees into revealing login credentials, financial details, or other sensitive data.

3. Data breaches and unauthorized access

Since ChatGPT interacts with users and processes large amounts of information. If APIs and integrations aren’t properly secured, organizations can be exposed to data breaches. If an attacker gains access to stored chatbot interactions, they could retrieve valuable internal data.

4. Data poisoning and AI manipulation

Attackers can attempt data poisoning—feeding malicious or misleading information into AI models to alter their behavior. If enterprises rely on AI-generated insights, manipulated data could lead to false business decisions or even reputational damage.

5. Malicious code generation

Cybercriminals can exploit ChatGPT’s ability to generate code by using it to create malware, ransomware, or exploits. While OpenAI has implemented safeguards, threat actors may still find ways to bypass these restrictions. In fact, purpose-built malicious AI tools have already emerged, designed specifically for generating harmful code without ethical limitations.

6. Regulatory and compliance risks

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and legal services are subject to strict data privacy laws like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. Enterprises using AI tools must ensure that chatbot interactions do not violate these regulations, particularly when handling personal or financial data.

7. Risks of Large Language Models (LLMs)

ChatGPT runs on a Large Language Model (LLM), an advanced AI system trained on vast amounts of text data to generate human-like responses. It can unintentionally produce misleading information or fabricate sources due to their open-ended nature. They are also vulnerable to prompt injections, where malicious inputs are used to manipulate the model’s responses.

By recognizing these security threats, organizations can take a proactive approach to lowering AI-related risks. Whether securing sensitive data, preventing unauthorized access, or addressing compliance challenges, businesses must remain aware of security threats.

ChatGPT’s security features: Safeguards and limitations

While ChatGPT security risks are a growing concern for enterprises, OpenAI has implemented several safeguards to mitigate potential threats. These include content filtering, prompt moderation, and ethical use policies designed to prevent malicious applications such as generating harmful content, phishing emails, or malware. Additionally, OpenAI continuously refines its model to reduce bias, misinformation, and unintended data leakage.

However, these safeguards have limitations. Threat actors test ways to bypass restrictions, using indirect prompts or fragmented queries to elicit restricted information. ChatGPT also lacks full context awareness. It cannot verify the accuracy of its outputs or detect when users manipulate its responses. While OpenAI does not retain chat history for training, enterprises must still assume that any data entered could be processed externally. This makes strict data governance policies a must.

Despite these measures, organizations can’t solely rely on ChatGPT’s security features to safeguard sensitive information. Implementing enterprise-grade security controls, such as access restrictions, API security, and AI monitoring solutions, remains essential in preventing unauthorized data exposure or AI-driven cyber threats.

Real-world examples of ChatGPT-related threats

AI-powered tools like ChatGPT are already shaping business operations, but their rapid adoption has led to security incidents that highlight potential risks. From accidental data leaks to AI-enhanced cybercrime, enterprises have faced real-world consequences when using these tools without proper safeguards.

The following cases highlight how weak ChatGPT security can expose sensitive information or even allow malicious actors to exploit it.

Samsung’s data leak

In 2023, Samsung Electronics faced a significant security incident when employees inadvertently leaked confidential company information through ChatGPT. Engineers from Samsung’s semiconductor division used ChatGPT to help debug and optimize source code. Unknowingly, they entered sensitive data, including proprietary source code and internal meeting notes, into the AI tool.

Since ChatGPT retains user inputs to refine its responses, this action risked exposing Samsung’s trade secrets to external parties. This event shows why companies need stringent data-handling policies and employee training on how to use AI tools in corporate environments.

AI-powered phishing campaigns

Cybersecurity researchers have observed that AI-generated phishing emails are not only more grammatically accurate but also more convincing, making them harder to detect. Moreover, AI is now used to craft deepfake voice scams. For instance, 2025 predictions warn of AI-driven phishing kits bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and mimicking trusted voices via voice cloning.

A study highlighted by Harvard Business Review revealed that 60 % of participants were deceived by AI-crafted phishing messages, a success rate comparable to those created by people. This trend highlights the escalating challenge enterprises face in protecting employees from such deceptive tactics. ​

Fake customer support bots

Scammers have begun deploying AI-driven chatbots that impersonate real customer service representatives. These fraudulent bots engage users in real-time conversations, persuading them to hand over sensitive information such as passwords or payment details.

For instance, reports indicate that these AI chatbots can convincingly mimic the communication styles of reputable companies, leading unsuspecting customers to trust and interact with them.

This exploitation of AI technology shows why businesses must authenticate their customer communication channels and educate consumers recognize legitimate support interactions.

Best practices for safely using ChatGPT in enterprises

As real-world incidents show, organizations must recognize that while AI improves efficiency, it also requires thoughtful management to prevent misuse. To minimize risks, enterprises should adopt proactive security measures that ensure AI-powered tools are used safely.

The following best practices can help businesses leverage AI’s benefits while protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and compliance violations.

1. Implement strict data policies

Based on the recent mimecast cybersecurity report, human error remains the main cause of data breaches and cyber incidents. Employees may unknowingly expose sensitive information or interact with AI-generated responses containing malicious code, increasing the risk of security compromises.

To mitigate this, organizations should integrate automated Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to detect and block unauthorized data inputs into AI systems. Regular training, policy reinforcement, and security audits will help ensure compliance and minimize accidental data leaks.

2. Enable access controls and monitoring

Limit ChatGPT usage to authorized personnel by integrating it with Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) and enterprise authentication systems. Implement logging mechanisms to track AI interactions, helping detect anomalies or potential data leaks. Regularly review access logs to ensure compliance with security policies and swiftly address unauthorized activities.

In addition, consider enablin gmulti-factor authentication (MFA) for high-privilege users to further restrict access to AI tools. By combining access controls with real-time monitoring, enterprises can mitigate insider threats and ensure AI usage aligns with security best practices.

3. Use AI detection tools

Deploy AI-driven security solutions to detect and mitigate threats like AI-generated phishing emails, cyber-attacks, or malicious chatbot activities. Advanced threat detection tools can flag suspicious patterns, such as unusual chatbot queries or high-risk prompts, to prevent potential cyber risks before they escalate.

These tools can be integrated with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms to provide real-time alerts on suspicious AI interactions. Additionally, setting up behavioral analytics can help identify unauthorized attempts to manipulate ChatGPT for malicious purposes, adding an extra layer of protection against AI-enabled threats.

4. Regularly update AI security settings

Ensure that all chatbot integrations comply with industry security standards, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, or GDPR, where applicable. Apply security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities and protect against threats. Conduct routine security assessments to identify weaknesses in chatbot configurations and AI-driven workflows.

Organizations should also perform penetration testing on AI integrations to uncover potential security gaps before they can be exploited. Establishing a structured incident response plan specific to AI security will further enhance the organization’s ability to mitigate risks and react swiftly to potential breaches.

5. Restrict external API access

If integrating ChatGPT into enterprise applications, secure API endpoints using authentication tokens, IP allowlisting, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration. Implement rate limiting and anomaly detection to identify potential abuse or credential stuffing attacks targeting AI-powered APIs.

Additionally, establish a least privilege access model, ensuring that APIs only provide the minimum necessary data to function. Regularly rotate API keys and monitor unauthorized access attempts. This can further strengthen defenses against API-related threats.

6. Train employees on social engineering risks

People are the first line of defense. Conduct cybersecurity awareness programs to help employees recognize AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake scams, and impersonation tactics. Use simulated phishing exercises and real-world case studies to build awareness.

Employees should also be trained to identify signs of malicious code embedded in chatbot responses or AI-generated links. Encourage a Zero Trust mindset, where verification is prioritized over assumption in all AI-assisted communications.

By adopting these best practices, enterprises can strike a balance between AI-driven efficiency and robust security. Proactive governance, continuous monitoring, and employee awareness are key to using AI safely without compromising sensitive information.

How NordLayer supports secure enterprise environments

While NordLayer doesn’t directly address AI-specific risks, but it plays a crucial role in protecting the broader network environment where AI tools like ChatGPT are used.

Solutions like Secure Web Gateway, Cloud Firewall, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) help safeguard against phishing, malicious code delivery, and unauthorized access—common threats that can be amplified by AI-driven tools.

By enforcing strong access policies and maintaining network visibility, NordLayer helps organizations stay secure and compliant while exploring AI technologies.

Why choose NordLayer?

• Secure network infrastructure: Keeps your data safe when accessing or integrating AI tools
• Zero Trust security: Ensures only authorized users access critical resources
• Threat intelligence: Detects and mitigates phishing, malware, and AI-driven social engineering attacks
• Compliance-ready solutions: Helps organizations meet NIS2, CIS Controls, HIPAA, and other key industry frameworks

Conclusion

AI-powered tools like ChatGPT offer numerous advantages for enterprises but also introduce significant security risks. From data leaks and cyber-attacks to regulatory concerns, organizations must take proactive measures to safeguard their operations.

By following best practices and using network security solutions like NordLayer, businesses can securely integrate AI chatbots while minimizing potential threats.