Only 30% of subscribers are aware of risks posed by mobile network vulnerabilities
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Nearly a third never check their bill to verify correct charges and detect
suspicious activity
WAKEFIELD, Mass., Dec. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research commissioned
by Xura, Inc, a leading provider of secure, digital communications services, has
revealed the extent to which mobile subscribers are unaware of vulnerabilities
in their mobile operator's network that could lead to their calls or texts being
intercepted, so becoming victims of fraud or unauthorized location tracking.
Only 30 percent of respondents to the survey - conducted with consumers in the
US, UK and Australia - claimed awareness of any security weakness in mobile
phone networks.
Respondents provided a list of reasons for their security concerns including
vulnerabilities in operating systems (nine percent), apps (six percent),
operator data leaks (three percent) and vulnerabilities in Bluetooth, WiFi, and
voicemail hacking. However, only six percent indicated specific awareness of
vulnerabilities in the technology of the telecoms network itself.
Mark Windle, Strategy and Marketing Director, Xura Security, said: "SS7
(Signaling System 7) is a core technology used by telecoms networks globally.
SS7, however, contains vulnerabilities that can be exploited to carry out a
whole host of malicious activities; from triggering fraudulent calls or texts to
be sent to premium rate services at the subscriber's expense, to location
tracking and call/SMS interception. The threat is very real, but thankfully so
too is the solution. Xura is actively helping operators around the world to
secure their networks and protect their customers. Naturally some operators move
faster than others and those that are yet to act will know the consequences of
not protecting themselves and their subscribers against potential attacks.
Securing their networks should be the highest priority."
Shockingly, almost a third (32 percent) of mobile subscribers never check their
balance or bill to verify that they have been correctly charged or to detect
possible suspicious activity on their account, with those aged between 31 and
50 least likely to check their monthly bills.
"Often these attacks can happen without the mobile user's knowledge. With fraud,
the only indicator may be on the subscriber's bill. However, we appear to have
considerable faith in mobile operators, hence why many of us may not think to
suspect any inaccuracies in bills: according to the research over two thirds (69
percent) of subscribers questioned feel they are moderately well protected by
their service provider from fraudsters and hackers. Until the network is
properly secured, the operator is putting this significant amount of customer
loyalty at risk," continued Windle.
In terms of which hacks would affect subscribers the most, over half of
subscribers felt like they would be severely or badly affected by a denial of
service attack (58 percent), fraudulent calls and SMS subscriptions respectively
(52 percent). Fraud is also the type of hack that subscribers feel is most
likely to happen to them, with 45 percent anticipating becoming a victim of
fraudulent calls made at their expense, and fraudulent registration for premium
SMS services (38 percent).
Subscribers also indicated that if they became a victim of mobile cybercrime,
nearly half (49 percent) would seek compensation from their mobile network
operator and a third (33 percent) would inform the telecom regulator. Worse
still, 29 percent would change their network provider either immediately (22
percent) or at the next renewal date (seven percent).
Windle added: "SS7 attacks leading to fraud are likely to impact subscribers the
most, and with consequential impact for the network operators in the form of
compensation claims or the loss of angry subscribers to competitors. With
security becoming a priority for consumers and enterprises alike, operators have
an opportunity to become the trusted provider by moving quickly to combat
potential exploitation. By implementing a comprehensive solution that is
powerful enough to secure all points of attack, not only blocking suspicious
activity but also using advanced analytics to help secure the network against
future attacks, the operator can detect, protect and secure their network
assets, data and ultimately their subscribers."
Other key findings:
* 22 percent of subscribers don't implement any rules when they decide to
grant apps permission to access other features or data on their phone
* Only eight percent would switch to apps to make calls and send messages more
securely than through traditional voice calls and SMS messages
* 24 percent would change their number if attacked
* 14 percent would report the hack on their social networks
"Despite a reasonable degree of awareness to potential threats, many subscribers
(42 percent) increase their exposure to risk by not checking bills or not paying
attention to app permissions. As subscribers, we need to take more care and be
more vigilant. However, cybercrime conducted through SS7 vulnerabilities in the
network may be completely invisible to consumers. The right place to tackle
these threats is in the network, but right now many networks are not adequately
protected from potential signaling attacks. Now is the time for the operators to
join the fight against cybercrime," concluded Windle.
To highlight the findings of the research, Xura created an infographic which
explores the rise of mobile cybercrime, how mobile users are at risk, often
without their knowledge, and some practical tips everyone can take to better
protect themselves. To view the infographic, please click
here: http://bit.ly/MobileCybercrime
About the research
Carried out in Quarter Three 2016, the research was conducted by Xura via Survey
Monkey, and questioned 1,667 mobile network subscribers in the USA (595), UK
(535), and Australia (537). A breakdown of findings by country are available on
request.
About Xura, Inc.
Xura, Inc. offers a portfolio of digital services solutions that enable global
communications across a variety of mobile devices and platforms. We help
communication service providers and enterprises navigate and monetize the
digital ecosystem to create innovative, new experiences through our cloud-based
offerings. Our solutions touch more than three billion people through 350+
service providers and enterprises in 140+ countries. You can find us at
Xura.com.
Media Contact:
Maria Hudson
Xura
maria.hudson(at)xura.com
This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Xura, Inc. via GlobeNewswire
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 12.12.2016 - 16:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 512317
Anzahl Zeichen: 7593
contact information:
Town:
NEW YORK
Kategorie:
Business News
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"Only 30% of subscribers are aware of risks posed by mobile network vulnerabilities"
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