US federal agents recently dismantled a network of devices capable of instigating a major telecoms attack across multiple sites. This operation coincided with world leaders gathering for the UN General Assembly in New York City which may have been the key target.
The US Secret Service stated the network of 300,000 SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards could be used to conduct a wide range of telecommunications attacks including disabling cell towers, enabling denial of services attacks and facilitating encrypted criminal communication between potential threat actors and criminal enterprises.
Forensic examination of the devices is ongoing, but the Secret Service noted “early analysis indicates cellular communications between nation-state threat actors and individuals that are known to federal law enforcement”.
Bloomberg reported an initial analysis of the seized data identified ties to at least one foreign entity along with links to criminals know by US law enforcement, included cartel members.
The agency’s newly formed advanced Threat Interdiction Unit is conducting the investigation.
“The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated”, stated US Secret Service Director Sean Curran.
“Given the timing, location and potential for significant disruption to New York telecommunications posed by these devices, the agency moved quickly to disrupt this network”, the Secret Service stated.
More than 100 world leaders and delegations have gathered this week in New York for the UN summit.
MobileX
MVNO MobileX issued a statement it is aware some of its SIM cards, along with those of other providers, were recovered during the federal investigation.
“Our platform is designed to be easy to use and cost-effective, qualities that unfortunately can also attract occasional bad actors,” it said in a statement. “MobileX has robust safeguards in place to identify and block automated or bulk usage, and we shut down suspicious activity on our network every day”.
It explained the company’s technology and processes are designed to detect and stop any misuse to protect both the network and legitimate customers. MobileX stated it is prepared to cooperate with the authorities.
Source: Mobile World Live
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