Once connected to an SS7 network, the hacker can target subscribers on the network while fooling the network into thinking the hacker device is actually an MSC/VLR node.
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According to telecommunications experts, all a cyber criminal would need to successfully launch an SS7 attack are a computer running Linux and the SS7 SDK – both free to download from the Internet. SS7 attacks exploit the authentication capability of communication protocols running atop the SS7 protocol to eavesdrop on voice and text communications. Similar to a Man In the Middle attack, SS7 attacks target mobile phone communications rather than wifi transmissions. SS7 attacks are mobile cyber attacks that exploit security vulnerabilities in the SS7 protocol to compromise and intercept voice and SMS communications on a cellular network. This allowed for the introduction of new services like SMS, number translation, prepaid billing, call waiting/forwarding, conference calling, local number portability, and other mass-market services.Ĭomponents and elements that make up the SS7 Protocol Stack –
Over time other applications were integrated into SS7. It is used to initiate most of the world’s public telephone calls over PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The set of SS7 telephony signaling protocols is responsible for setting up and terminating telephone calls over a digital signaling network to enable wireless cellular and wired connectivity. As such, SS7 is an attacker’s best friend, enabling them access to the same surveillance capabilities held by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. From a surveillance perspective, it is considerably effective. Because it is so prevalent, used by both intelligence agencies and mobile operators. The SS7 protocol is used everywhere, and is the leading protocol for connecting network communication worldwide. At least when it comes to cyber security. SS7’s success has also, in a way, been its curse. It’s outdated security concepts make it especially vulnerable to hackers. 7 or C7) has been the industry standard since, and hasn’t advanced much in decades. Introduced and adopted in the mid 70s, SS7 (Common Channel Signaling System No. They can access text messages, phone calls, track device location, and all without your or the subscriber’s knowledge. From a mobile service provider perspective, once your network’s SS7 protocol is successfully compromised, hackers are privy to your subscriber’s personal information. Rather than target specific devices, sophisticated attacks are being perpetrated on entire networks. Let’s meet one of the most prominent mobile network vulnerabilities threatening mobile service providers and users in the past years: SS7 loopholes. So it’s no wonder mobile malware attacks increased by 50% in 2019, and in 2020 are expected to continue to wreak mobile security havoc at an exponential rate.
The aging of legacy protocols with the evolution of hacking techniques create the perfect conditions to empower malicious activities on increasing crowded mobile networks. All thanks to legacy network protocols of global telecommunications. While the YouTube browsing history of a toddler may be of little interest to hackers, anyone holding sensitive data or communicating privileged information is at risk. Mobile devices are now like opinions: everyone has at least one they hold very dear.Īs 5G technology propagates and expands to reach new audiences and devices, the opportunities for mobile cyber attacks grow exponentially. From toddlers who learn to operate a mobile phone before they can even speak to professionals whose phones contain sensitive information. Global mobile use has been on a major upswing for quite some time.