Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP / Getty Images
The Secret Service is investigating a significant threat to New York City's communication networks. They discovered a network of SIM servers capable of disrupting cell towers and even 9-1-1 services. This discovery came during an investigation into burner phones used in swatting hoaxes and threats against government officials. The servers, hidden in safehouses within 35 miles of the city, contained enough SIM cards to potentially cripple the city's communication systems.
Swatting incidents have been on the rise, with a recent case involving a top Secret Service official targeted on July 4. According to Axios, someone falsely reported that the official's daughter was armed, despite the official not having a daughter. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing these hoaxes.
The Carbyne report underscores the vulnerability of the nation's 9-1-1 system, noting a rise in outages and cyberattacks. Nearly 90% of emergency communication centers experienced outages due to aging infrastructure or cyberattacks. Telephony denial-of-service attacks, which flood emergency lines with fake calls, have been increasing, leaving many centers unprepared.
The Secret Service's investigation into the SIM server network is ongoing. This discovery raises concerns about the security of New York City's communication infrastructure and the potential for future disruptions.
Photo Credit: Getty Images