attacks on SS7 is among the most deadly and insidious threats of the present digital age. Although it is not widely known for the average person, SS7 vulnerabilities can give hackers full control over phone texts, calls as well as 2-factor authentication (2FA) over mobile networks.
What is SS7?
SS7 is Signaling System No. 7, a telecommunications standard that is used by mobile operators around the world to facilitate calling forwarding and roaming as well as SMS service. It was invented in the 1970s and remains in use to this day.
While it is essential for mobile communications across the globe SS7 does have grave security issues that permit the remote monitoring and even interception.
What is an SS7 Attack?
A SS7 hack is an attack in which hackers exploit vulnerabilities inside the SS7 protocol to:
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Intercept calls and text messages
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Find out where users are in real-time.
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Bypass two-factor authentication
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Snitch banking sessions and get OTPs
The attacker doesn’t require physically access to the phoneonly access to the phone’s SS7 network that is usually not secured.
Real-World Examples of SS7 Exploits
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German hackers showed SS7 hacks on national TV in 2014, accessing SMS and phone calls remotely.
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In 2017 hackers exploited SS7 weaknesses to steal money from banks across Germany by interception of SMS OTPs.
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Even applications like WhatsApp or Telegram that provide encryption, are vulnerable as hackers can reset passwords using SMS.
source: The Guardian on SS7 weaknesses
Why Is SS7 Still In Use?
Despite its weaknesses, SS7 remains embedded in mobile infrastructures because:
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It is deeply integrated into the telecom system
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To replace it, it will necessitate global telecom cooperation
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Many carriers believe that the physical network access is required (it’s not)
until a reliable replacement protocol such as Diameter completely replaces SS7 The danger will continue to exist.
How to protect yourself from SS7 Attacks
Although users aren’t able to patch SS7 themselves but here’s how you can limit the risks:
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Utilize authenticator applications such as Google Authenticator instead of SMS 2FA
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Be careful not to share your phone number with others.
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Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps
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Contact your carrier for information about security measures for SS7.
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Governments & Telecoms Are Aware
The global telecom regulators and cybersecurity agencies are currently trying to:
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Monitor the SS7 networks
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Install firewalls and set up anomaly detection
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Switch to newer, more secure protocols such as 5G, Diameter and
Refer: ENISA: European Union Agency for Cybersecurity Threats to SS7
Final Thoughts
It’s true that the security breach SS7 isn’t just a myth It’s a genuine worldwide vulnerability that is affecting millions of smartphone users. While telecoms aren’t updating their infrastructure the best defense lies in the individual’s awareness and staying clear of the use of SMS for security.
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