For years, security experts have warned about the vulnerabilities within the global communications infrastructure, particularly focusing on an outdated yet widely used protocol, Signalling System 7 (SS7). Recent revelations have confirmed that these vulnerabilities have been exploited to conduct surveillance on individuals in the United States.
The Threat Landscape
Kevin Briggs from America’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency highlighted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that there have been numerous unauthorized attempts to steal location data, monitor voice and text messages, deliver spyware, and even influence voters in America via text messages. These exploits are tied to SS7, a protocol developed in the 1970s to facilitate data exchange among telecom companies.
SS7’s security was never robust, as it was designed when only a few fixed-line operators had access. With the advent of mobile communications, SS7 became integral to various functions, including roaming. Unfortunately, its widespread use and lack of security controls have made it a target for malicious activities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security considers SS7 particularly risky due to its numerous entry points, some controlled by states supporting terrorism or espionage.
Historical Exploits
The vulnerabilities of SS7 have been known for over a decade. In 2008, Tobias Engel demonstrated how SS7 could be used to track users’ locations. By 2014, German researchers showed that it could be used to eavesdrop on calls and messages. Russian hackers have exploited SS7 to spy on Ukrainian politicians, and in 2017, a German telecom company reported that attackers had stolen money from customers by intercepting SMS authentication codes.
These exploits are not limited to a few isolated incidents. In 2018, an Israeli intelligence firm accessed SS7 through a mobile operator in the Channel Islands, which was used to track an Emirati princess. Moreover, Cathal McDaid of ENEA suggested that Russian hackers have long used SS7 to monitor dissidents.
The Present Danger
The scope of the SS7 problem is extensive, as highlighted by Kevin Briggs’s recent comments. Despite the increasing use of encrypted communication apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage, SS7-based attacks remain a significant threat. These apps can be circumvented by spyware that takes control of devices, recording keystrokes and screens. Recent reports from Apple and Amnesty International underline the growing issue of spyware attacks facilitated by a complex network of surveillance suppliers.
How SecureCrypt Protects You
In this landscape of pervasive threats, SecureCrypt offers robust solutions to safeguard your privacy and security. Our suite of features is designed to address the vulnerabilities and risks posed by outdated protocols like SS7.
1. Encrypted Communications: SecureCrypt ensures all your communications—chats, calls, group discussions—are fully end-to-end encrypted, making it impossible for unauthorized entities to intercept and decipher your messages.
2. Phone Cloak: This feature disguises your secure communications behind a facade of a regular Android phone. It hides all secure apps and data, accessible only via a configured code entered into the dialer. This ensures that even if your device is inspected, it appears as a standard device.
3. IMEI Masking & Rotation: SecureCrypt continuously alters your device’s IMEI number every 30 minutes, ensuring your identity and location remain hidden, thus preventing tracking and profiling.
4. Decentralized Global Servers: Our servers self-destruct every 24 hours, ensuring no single server holds your data for more than a day, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches.
5. Secure Global SIMs: Our Secure Global SIMs offer unparalleled privacy by blocking location tracking requests at the SS7/network/cellular level and securing subscriber identity. This prevents attackers from using SS7 to track or identify you.
6. Systems IP Masking: By dynamically altering IP addresses during internet sessions, SecureCrypt ensures your online activities and identity remain anonymous, adding another layer of security.
7. Compromise Detection and Mitigation: SecureCrypt includes advanced measures to detect and respond to device compromise, including continuous crash loops to prevent unauthorized access.
8. No Cloud Back-Ups: Unlike other services, SecureCrypt does not store your data on cloud servers, ensuring that your information remains completely private and secure.
Moving Forward
In a world where the backbone of mobile communications is vulnerable to sophisticated attacks, SecureCrypt stands out by providing comprehensive and advanced security features. Our commitment to privacy and security ensures that your sensitive information remains protected against the numerous threats posed by outdated and insecure protocols like SS7. Visit SecureCrypt to learn more about how we can help you achieve the highest level of privacy and security in your communications.
By leveraging SecureCrypt’s advanced security measures, users can protect themselves from the widespread vulnerabilities inherent in global communication networks, ensuring their privacy and data integrity in an increasingly insecure world.
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