The telecommunications industry is becoming increasingly concerned about SS7 attacks. Signalling System 7 (SS7) is a group of protocols that allows network operators to communicate with one another for call and message routing. But, malicious actors can use these same protocols to eavesdrop on, track, and manipulate communications.
Privacy, security, and safety are all at risk since SS7 attacks can disrupt anything from financial transactions to emergency services. This article will discuss the mechanics of SS7 attacks, the results of such attacks, and the continued relevance of SS7.
Table of Content:
How do SS7 attacks work?
Interception attacks
Location tracking attacks
SMS interception attacks
Fraudulent transactions
Is SS7 still in use?
What does the SS7 attack affect?
Call and message interception
Location tracking
Fraudulent transactions
Disrupting emergency services
National security risks
What is the full form of an SS7 attack?
SecGen: Safeguarding Telecom Industry from Cyber Threats in the 5G Era
How do SS7 attacks work?
SS7 attacks, also known as signalling attacks, refer to criminal activities that exploit weaknesses in the Signalling System 7 (SS7) protocol used by network operators to transmit signalling messages in a telecommunications network. SS7 is a set of protocols used for call setup, routing, and other network services between network operators, and it is vital to the functioning of the worldwide telecommunications network.
The SS7 protocol has been used since the 1980s and was designed with security in mind. Nevertheless, over time, as the technology has improved, attackers have found ways to exploit flaws in the protocol to launch attacks that can intercept, monitor, and modify calls and data.
Many methods exist for launching an SS7 attack, such as:
Interception attacks: In this sort of attack, an attacker can intercept calls and messages between two parties by exploiting a hole in the SS7 protocol. The attacker can then listen to the discussion, record it, or reroute the call or message to a new destination.
Location tracking attacks: By exploiting holes in the SS7 protocol, an attacker can follow the location of a mobile device, even if the device’s GPS is switched off. To do so, one can first ask the network where the device is and then use triangulation based on the signals it sends to determine its precise location.
SMS interception attacks: An SMS interception attack is when a user’s SMS messages are stolen and redirected to the attacker’s smartphone. This can be used to obtain two-factor authentication codes, passwords, and other sensitive information.
Fraudulent transactions: When an attacker intercepts verification messages and reroutes them to their own device, they can enable fraudulent transactions like monetary transfers or online purchases.
Attackers utilize software and hardware designed to intercept and modify SS7 messages to carry out SS7 attacks. Social engineering is another method they can use to break into SS7 networks and launch assaults.
One of the main obstacles in preventing SS7 assaults is that the SS7 protocol is used by network operators worldwide, and updating or replacing it is a complex and time-consuming procedure. As an added complication, SS7 assaults frequently do not leave any traces in the network logs, making them hard to detect.
Several high-profile SS7 attacks, including those on banks, governments, and individuals, have occurred in recent years. Therefore, more security measures to prevent SS7 attacks are urgently required, and there is rising worry about the safety of the global telecommunications network as a result.
Is SS7 still in use?
SS7 is still actively used today because it serves an essential purpose in the global telecommunications infrastructure. Its original conception dates back to the 1980s but has undergone numerous revisions and improvements.
Call establishment, routing, and signalling between service providers are only some of the many uses for SS7 on the part of network operators. Other network services that rely on it include short message service (SMS) communication and location monitoring.
Yet, despite its widespread adoption, SS7 has been met with rising security worries as bad actors have discovered new ways to exploit the protocol’s flaws. In addition to fraudulent transactions and other illegal conduct, call intercept, location tracking, and SMS interception are also forms of attack.
The telecoms sector has responded to these holes by introducing new security measures, including two-factor authentication and encryption to counter SS7 assaults. However, coordinating with network operators and investing heavily in new infrastructure is essential to replace or update the SS7 protocol successfully.
There are ongoing initiatives to upgrade the telecommunications network and replace SS7 with newer protocols like Diameter and SIP, notwithstanding the difficulties that have arisen along the way. The increased complexity of today’s communication networks calls for more secure protocols to keep up with the surging demand for data services.
What does the SS7 attack affect?
SS7 attacks can compromise various systems, including banking, government, emergency response, and individual privacy. Some effects of SS7 assaults include the following:
Call and message interception: Attackers can eavesdrop on private talks, steal confidential information, or alter the substance of a conversation by using SS7 assaults.
Location tracking: Even if a mobile device’s GPS is disabled, its location can still be tracked through an SS7 attack. This can be a major breach of privacy since it enables attackers to track people without their knowledge or consent.
Fraudulent transactions: To conduct fraudulent transactions, such as monetary ones, without the victim’s knowledge or approval, attackers can intercept verification messages or reroute them to their devices.
Disrupting emergency services: Attacks against the SS7 network can disrupt emergency services by intercepting and rerouting calls and messages meant for first responders. In emergency scenarios, this can slow down reaction times and endanger lives.
National security risks: Risks to national security can arise from SS7 assaults because of the potential for attackers to eavesdrop on or otherwise interfere with communications between government officials or other high-value targets.
Many high-profile SS7 attacks, including those on banks, government institutions, and individuals, have occurred in recent years. Therefore, more security measures to prevent SS7 attacks are urgently required, and there is rising worry about the safety of the global telecommunications network as a result.
What is the full form of an SS7 attack?
Since SS7 is a protocol and not an acronym, there is no full form for an SS7 attack. SS7 refers to a group of protocols the global telecommunications industry uses to manage and control phone conversations and text messages. It was created in the 1970s and 1980s to make switching calls and messages between networks and nations easier and more streamlined.
For nefarious purposes, hackers will sometimes exploit holes in the SS7 protocol in what is known as an SS7 attack. Such behaviors include:
Intercepting calls and texts.
Tracking a mobile device’s location.
Committing fraudulent transactions.
Interfering with emergency services.
Attacks on the SS7 network can range from man-in-the-middle attacks to tracking of a user’s position to SMS interception to call hijacking. Each attack uses flaws in the SS7 protocol to steal private data or otherwise disrupt or influence communications.
While SS7 assaults pose a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of telecommunications networks, they are not insurmountable.
They include replacing the SS7 protocol with newer, more secure protocols that can better manage the rising complexity of modern telecommunications networks; implementing two-factor authentication and encryption; monitoring for suspicious activities; and so on.
SecGen: Safeguarding Telecom Industry from Cyber Threats in the 5G Era
Network administrators need help to keep up with the ever-evolving threat landscape as the number and sophistication of cyber threats continue to rise. With the advent of 5G networks, it is more important than ever for companies to maintain a safe and secure network infrastructure.
SecGen, however, has risen to the challenge by developing novel solutions to protect the telecom sector from attacks and aid businesses in migrating to more secure and reliable mobile networks.
SecGen recognizes the difficulties network administrators experience in maintaining a secure network and is dedicated to providing complete solutions to these problems.
The telecom industry has long been a soft target for cybercriminals, and the proliferation of 5G networks further adds complexity to the existing security picture. The cybersecurity knowledge and experience of SecGen have helped the telecom industry strengthen its defenses against various cyberattacks.
Telecommunications networks and their users remain in danger from SS7 assaults, which can have severe repercussions. Several networks continue to utilize the insecure SS7 protocol despite efforts to upgrade its security and replace it with more modern alternatives.
Call and message eavesdropping, location monitoring, fraudulent transactions, and disruptions to emergency services are just some of the usual outcomes of SS7 assaults, affecting everything from personal privacy to national security.
While there is no definitive SS7 attack, network operators and enterprises must remain attentive and take preventative measures to safeguard their networks and customers.
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