Only 30% of subscribers are aware of risks posed by mobile network vulnerabilities
December 12 2016 - 10:00AM
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@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
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