With newer, more sophisticated attack methods emerging constantly , maintaining the security of mobile communications is becoming increasingly difficult. One particularly alarming vulnerability is the SS7 (Signalling System 7) protocol, which enables attackers to hijack mobile phone services and intercept sensitive data, including two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.
In this blog, we’ll explore what SS7 hacking is, how it works, and how businesses can protect their clients using IDVerse’s solutions.
What is SS7 and how does it work?
SS7 is a set of telecommunication protocols that allow different phone networks to exchange information needed for functions such as making calls, sending SMS messages, and allowing roaming between networks. SS7 was designed decades ago with limited security features, which permits today’s hackers to exploit this weakness by gaining access to the SS7 network.
A typical SS7 hack involves the following steps:
- Access to SS7 network: Fraudsters obtain an SS7 licence for illicit purposes, often via dark web channels.
- Impersonation through roaming: Using this licence, they pose as the legitimate user’s phone while on a roaming network.
- Interception of calls & SMS: Once they gain access, hackers can intercept all calls and SMS messages, including sensitive ones like 2FA codes sent by banks or other institutions for account verification.
- Hijacking accounts: With 2FA codes in hand, attackers can bypass security protocols to access banking apps, social media accounts, and other digital assets.
The ease with which SS7 can be exploited, combined with the increasingly common use of SMS for 2FA, makes this a significant security concern.
Restriction & control of SS7 licences
SS7 access is tightly controlled due to the potential for misuse in activities like intercepting communications. Authorised access to SS7 is strictly regulated, and individuals or companies must meet stringent requirements and legal frameworks to operate within these systems.
While it may be technically possible to find vendors on the dark web selling SS7 access, doing so is illegal in most countries and carries significant legal risks, often involving serious privacy and security breaches.
How SS7 hacks compromise security
SS7 hacks can have devastating consequences for individuals and businesses alike. Once attackers intercept 2FA codes, they can:
- Access personal information: Attackers gain access to bank accounts, emails, or social media accounts by intercepting verification codes.
- Monetary theft: With access to banking apps or digital wallets, hackers can steal funds directly.
- Identity theft: Sensitive information obtained through SMS interception can be used to impersonate the victim for fraudulent activities.
The fact that SS7 hacking works without any physical access to a victim’s phone—and without their knowledge—makes it particularly dangerous. And, because SS7 is a fundamental part of how telecom networks operate, it is difficult to secure by default, leaving businesses and their customers vulnerable.
Why traditional 2FA is not enough
Many companies use SMS-based 2FA as an extra layer of security—but as we’ve seen, SMS 2FA is not foolproof, particularly when it comes to network-level threats like SS7 hacking. While 2FA improves security over using just a password, it’s not enough in the face of more sophisticated attacks.
To mitigate such risks, businesses need to look beyond traditional SMS-based methods of verification and embrace more secure alternatives.
How IDVerse ensure security against SS7 hacks
IDVerse offers a suite of identity verification (IDV) and fraud prevention solutions that can help businesses safeguard their clients from vulnerabilities like SS7 hacks.
Here’s how:
1. Biometric authentication with Face Access™
IDVerse’s Face Access™ solution leverages advanced facial recognition technology to authenticate users. This form of biometric authentication is inherently more secure than SMS-based 2FA because it verifies the individual in real time using their unique facial features.
Here’s why this matters:
- No reliance on SMS: Because authentication is based on a live facial scan, there’s no need to send 2FA codes via SMS, rendering SS7 attacks useless.
- Strong user verification: Face Access™ uses advanced AI to ensure that the user is not only physically present but also the authorised account holder, preventing fraudsters from spoofing or intercepting login attempts.
When businesses implement Face Access™, they can offer their clients a higher level of security while enhancing the user experience with seamless, passwordless authentication.
2. Zero Bias AI™ identity verification solution
IDVerse’s Zero Bias AI™ verified identity solution provides real-time, secure IDV that’s non-discriminatory and highly accurate. The platform is designed to ensure identity accuracy while eliminating racial and colour bias. Here’s how it enhances security:
- No room for impersonation: The solution can verify users with a very high degree of confidence by comparing biometric data, such as facial recognition, with government-issued ID documents.
- Multi-layered protection: By leveraging AI and synthetic media, IDVerse provides multiple layers of protection, ensuring that both identity and behaviour are consistent with the user. This mitigates the risk of fraudulent access, including those stemming from SS7 exploits.
Our approach gives businesses and their clients greater assurance that only authorised users can gain access to sensitive accounts or services.
3. FraudHub™ for identity attribute monitoring
IDVerse’s FraudHub™ solution is designed to detect and prevent fraud by identifying identity attributes that have been used or reused by fraudsters in previous attacks. Here’s how it works:
- Monitoring identity markers: FraudHub™ monitors key identity attributes such as government-issued ID numbers, document details, and biometric data. If these attributes have been associated with fraudulent activity elsewhere, FraudHub™ flags them, preventing their reuse in further fraud attempts.
- Prevention of fraudulent reuse: In the event that SS7 hackers attempt to exploit reused or fake identity attributes, the solution’s pattern recognition capabilities can immediately flag these attempts, preventing account takeovers before they happen.
- Enhanced Fraud Detection: By recognizing identity patterns tied to fraudsters, FraudHub™ helps ensure that even if an attacker manages to intercept SMS codes, they are still blocked from accessing accounts due to flagged identity details.
Leveraging FraudHub, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent access, even in the face of sophisticated SS7-based attacks.
Advanced threats require advanced solutions
SS7 vulnerabilities present a real and growing threat to businesses and consumers alike, as traditional SMS-based 2FA is increasingly susceptible to sophisticated attacks. However, with the right security measures in place, businesses can mitigate these risks.
IDVerse’s comprehensive suite of solutions—including biometric authentication and identity attribute monitoring through FraudHub™—provides a strong defence against such vulnerabilities.
Relying on these advanced technologies, companies can ensure the highest level of security for their clients, protecting them from both current and emerging threats.
The shift from SMS-based authentication to more secure methods like Face Access™ and Zero Bias AI™ verified identity systems is not just a step forward in security; it’s an essential move in the evolving landscape of digital threats.
About the post:
Images and videos are generative AI-created. Image prompt: Humorous image of a Southern California man surfing on top of a smartphone, big wave, chill vibes, photorealistic. Tools: Midjourney, Luma.
About the author:
Josh Read is Chief Operating Officer at IDVerse. He has over 25 years of leadership experience in technology organisations including Equifax, KPMG Australia, Telstra Enterprise and Government, and Yellowfin Business Intelligence International. As COO, Josh supports and directs the global expansion of the company, building optimised business processes for IDVerse to become the global partner of choice for IDV and compliance.
