4G Networks Allowing Hackers to Intercept Texts and Eavesdrop on Conversations
Positive Technologies’ research into 4G networks revealed that many vulnerabilities still exist, despite investment upgrading the UK to Diameter . Unaddressed, the flaws could allow hackers to intercept and divert SMS messages, eavesdrop on conversations and locate users via GPS.
More pressingly, it highlights how DoS attacks on operator equipment could cause wide-scale network outages.
Earlier this year, attackers stole funds from bank accounts having redirected one time passcodes (OTPs) sent by banks in Germany, via SMS, confirming that real world attacks have been devised and can be successfully executed. This incident shows that vulnerabilities in the mobile infrastructure open users to the same kind of mass cyber crime threats that Internet users have suffered for years.
As mobile networks play a central role in connecting everything from home appliances to smart vehicles and industrial devices, it’s important to understand how to ensure their security.
