Call and SMS Interception
Call and SMS interception is a security breach where unauthorized parties gain access to voice calls or text messages. This can occur through various methods, including:
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Intercepting communications as they travel between devices.
SIM Card Cloning: Duplicating a SIM card to receive call and text data.
Network Vulnerabilities: Exploiting weaknesses in network protocols to divert communications.
Interception poses risks such as privacy violations, data theft, and unauthorized surveillance. It's crucial to employ strong encryption and adhere to security best practices to protect against these threats.
SMS Interception via SS7
Intercepting SMS messages through the Signalling System No. 7 (SS7) involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the SS7 protocol, which is used for setting up and tearing down most of the world's public switched telephone network (PSTN) and exchanging information between network elements.
Access to SS7 Network: Gaining unauthorized access to the SS7 network, often through a compromised telecom operator or by purchasing access from a corrupt operator.
Intercepting Messages: Using SS7 protocol commands (such as SendRoutingInfoForSM and UpdateLocation) to redirect SMS messages intended for a target device to a device controlled by the interceptor.
Decoding Messages: Once captured, the SMS messages can be read or forwarded, allowing interception.
Risks and Mitigation
Risks: Exposure of sensitive information, potential fraud, and privacy violations.
Mitigation: Telecom operators should implement network security measures, active monitoring, and employ encryption and authentication protocols to strengthen SS7 defenses.
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