Shielding the Core - An Analysis of Real World Attacks on the SS7 Network

New developments concerning telecom networks and privacy vulnerabilities have come to light in recent months. This report will explore the vulnerabilities in the SS7 network and the potential impact they have on operator networks, sharing new research from AdaptiveMobile’s Threat Intelligence Unit detailing previously unknown evidence about the scale and sophistication of attacks to the SS7 network.

As operators upgrade their core networks to handle the increased demands of faster radio technologies, and look to provide new services to their subscribers, the SS7 network will eventually be retired. Yet due to the sheer complexity and cost of operators making the move to Diameter and LTE networks, it will still be many years before SS7 is replaced completely and a new paradigm and security model needs to be adopted within operator’s core networks.