How to Avoid an SS7 Exploit and Stay Secure Online

In today’s interconnected world, the potential for digital security breaches is more prevalent than ever.

One of the more obscure but highly dangerous vulnerabilities involves the SS7 Exploit, a cyber threat that can compromise your phone and personal data.

This article will break down the SS7 exploit, explain why it’s such a dangerous phone hack, and, more importantly, provide actionable steps to help you stay secure.

What Is an SS7 Exploit?

The SS7 exploit refers to a vulnerability in Signalling System No. 7 (SS7), a global protocol suite that facilitates communication between telephone networks.

SS7 was developed in the 1970s primarily to manage international phone calls, but its security features were never designed with modern cybersecurity threats in mind.

Cybercriminals can exploit the weaknesses in SS7 to intercept phone calls, track your location, and even read your text messages without you ever realising it.

Worse, because SS7 is used by cellular networks globally, the threat affects nearly everyone who uses a mobile phone.

How Does the SS7 Exploit Work?

To understand how an SS7 exploit works, imagine someone hacking into the switchboard of a global phone network. The SS7 protocol allows telecom networks to exchange routing information. Hackers who gain access to the SS7 network can:

1. Intercept Phone Calls and SMS: By rerouting communication, hackers can listen to your calls and read your texts.
2. Track Your Location: SS7 vulnerabilities allow attackers to triangulate your location using the data exchanged between mobile networks.
3. Bypass Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): A more alarming aspect is the ability to intercept 2FA codes sent via SMS, compromising your online accounts and financial security.

Who Is at Risk of an SS7 Exploit?

The threat of an SS7 exploit isn’t limited to high-profile individuals or large organisations.

While political figures, corporate executives, and journalists may be prime targets, everyday users can also be victims of this phone hack.

You’re at risk if you rely on your phone for banking, sensitive communications, or two-factor authentication.

How to Protect Yourself from an SS7 Exploit

Avoid Using SMS for Two-Factor Authentication

One of the easiest ways to secure yourself is to avoid using SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA).

Since the SS7 exploit specifically targets SMS, switching to alternative 2FA methods can dramatically increase your security.

What Are Better Alternatives to SMS 2FA?

• Authentication Apps: Google Authenticator or Authy are more secure alternatives, as they generate time-based codes independent of your mobile network.
• Hardware Security Keys: Physical security keys like YubiKey offer the highest level of protection and are immune to SS7-based attacks.

Use a VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic.

While a VPN doesn’t directly prevent an SS7 exploit, it can secure your communication over Wi-Fi networks and make it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data.

Enable a Firewall on Your Phone

Installing a firewall on your mobile phone is another preventive measure.

A firewall acts as a filter for incoming and outgoing network traffic, allowing you to block suspicious connections that could be linked to an SS7 exploit.

Recommended Firewall Apps

For Android users, apps like NetGuard and NoRoot Firewall can provide extra layers of protection.

iOS users benefit from the built-in firewall but can further enhance security with apps like Lockdown.

Regularly Update Your Phone Software

Updating your mobile operating system and apps ensures you benefit from the latest security patches.

While updates may not directly fix SS7 vulnerabilities (since these lie in the telecom infrastructure), they can help mitigate other security risks that attackers could exploit alongside SS7.

Use Encrypted Messaging Apps

Switch to encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp for sensitive communications.

While SS7 attacks can still intercept unencrypted messages, end-to-end encryption ensures that even if messages are intercepted, they can’t be read by unauthorised parties.

Be Wary of Unfamiliar Calls or Messages

Receiving strange calls or text messages could be a red flag. Please don’t click on links or provide personal information if you’re unsure of the source.

Hackers using an SS7 exploit may try to engage you directly to extract more valuable information.

Is a digital e-sim better than a standard sim card to avoid an SS7 intrusion?

Yes, digital eSIMs (embedded SIMs) offer advantages over standard SIM cards when avoiding an SS7 intrusion, although they aren’t a complete solution alone.

Here’s why eSIMs can be more secure:

Improved Security

eSIMs are more physically challenging to tamper with than traditional SIM cards.

Since the SIM is embedded within the device and not removable, attackers can’t easily swap out or manipulate it to gain access to the phone’s network.

However, since the SS7 exploit targets the core telecom infrastructure rather than the SIM card, eSIMs are only partially immune to SS7 attacks.

Better Authentication Mechanisms

eSIMs often come with additional layers of authentication between the device and the carrier, like device-specific encryption.

This makes it harder for attackers to intercept and replicate your phone’s identity using the same techniques that exploit a standard SIM card.

Centralised Control

Since eSIMs are managed digitally, telecom providers can monitor and update security features remotely and in real time.

This dynamic management is an advantage over traditional SIM cards, which are physically distributed and more challenging to secure after they are issued.

No SIM Swap Fraud

One significant risk with physical SIM cards is SIM swap fraud, where attackers trick your carrier into swapping your number to their device.

This is often a step in SS7-based attacks, especially to intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

Since eSIMs are tied to specific devices and require carrier approval for changes, they make SIM swaps much more difficult.

Limitations of eSIMs with SS7 Exploits

While eSIMs offer enhanced security regarding SIM swapping and physical tampering, they do not directly solve the underlying vulnerabilities in the SS7 protocol.

SS7 is an infrastructure-level issue that affects how telecom networks communicate, and eSIMs still rely on these telecom networks.

Real-World Examples of SS7 Exploits

The Vodafone Hack

In 2016, Vodafone Germany was hit by an SS7 exploit that compromised the accounts of customers across the country.

Attackers used the SS7 vulnerability to intercept two-factor authentication codes sent by SMS, gaining access to customers’ online banking accounts and stealing funds.

The Hack of a U.S. Congressman

In 2017, U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu fell victim to an SS7 exploit in a controlled experiment by security researchers.

By exploiting SS7, they demonstrated how easy it was to track his movements and intercept phone communications, raising significant concerns about national security vulnerabilities.

Addressing Counterarguments: Is SS7 Truly Dangerous for Everyday Users?

Some might argue that the SS7 exploit is a threat only to high-profile individuals and not something the average person should worry about.

While targeted attacks are more common for prominent figures, SS7’s broad vulnerability means anyone with access to important financial, personal, or professional information could be at risk.

Even if you’re not a CEO or politician, a criminal could target you to steal banking details, compromise your social media accounts, or even perpetrate identity theft.

Conclusion

In the age of ever-evolving cyber threats, the SS7 exploit remains a significant and often overlooked vulnerability.

While telecom companies are slowly implementing new security measures, taking personal steps to protect yourself is essential.

By avoiding SMS-based two-factor authentication, using VPNs, enabling a firewall, and using encrypted messaging, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to an SS7 exploit.

Staying informed and adopting these security measures will help you navigate the digital world safely and secure your communications, personal information, and online accounts.

Remember, it’s better to be proactive now than to deal with the fallout of a successful phone hack later.