SS7 Attack: The Mobile Man-in-the-Middle

There are all types of threats on the Internet, but one of the most interesting that has been in the news recently is the SS7 attacks that have the U.S. Department of Homeland Security scrambling to find a solution. In today’s blog, we’ll go through how an SS7 attack works and why they can be so dangerous. 

What is an SS7 Attack?

An SS7 attack is an exploit of vulnerabilities found in the Signaling System 7 protocol that is used to route calls, texts, and shifting network traffic. While SS7 is at the center of most modern communications, it was designed decades ago and therefore has weaker security than more modern systems. 

How it Works

Would-be attackers gain access to the SS7 network through one of the numerous vulnerabilities in the antiquated system. Typically this is restricted to the telecom providers, but in the case of an SS7 attack, it is compromised by an outside entity. Once these operators get into the network they can then intercept phone calls and SMS messages, track a user’s location in real-time, and completely bypass multifactor authentication codes that typically rely on SMS to function.

We don’t have to tell you why this is bad news for users. SS7 attacks can steal private messages, bank information, and all types of other data that normally travels securely between two users. These attackers can also use it to track people with no tip that something could be compromising their personal security and information. 

The worst part is that, like a man-in-the-middle (MitM) attack, the victim has no digital knowledge that their privacy has been compromised. 

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself Against SS7 Attacks

Well, SS7 attacks are pretty scary, but before we tell you how you can protect yourself, you should know that while these attacks are growing in prevalence, they aren’t ubiquitous like phishing. State-sponsored hacking groups are the biggest users of this method to date, but knowing that there is a possibility that someone is spying on your messages and tracking your location is unsettling. Here are two actions you can take to keep SS7 from being an issue for you:

• Use an encrypted messaging app - There are plenty of messaging apps on the market that feature end-to-end encryption, making it harder for any intercepting party to decipher messages.
• Use an app-based MFA - Multifactor Authentication is one of the most effective ways to ward off unauthorized access. Instead of using the SMS option, you can choose to use an authentication app to create codes for access, taking it off the SS7 network completely. 

For businesses that need to ensure that their mobile sharing is secure, the IT professionals at BNMC can help. Using cutting-edge tools, we can monitor your mobile networks and identify any irregularities that may be problematic. If you would like to learn more about mobile security or to talk to one of our IT experts, give us a call today at (978) 482-2020.