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TRAI
Airtel Cyber Security Jio Mobile Network Network Security OTP SMS Telecommunication TRAI

India’s New SMS Traceability Rules to Combat Fraud Begin November 1, 2024

 

Beginning November 1, 2024, Indian telecom providers Airtel, Jio, and Vi will follow a new set of SMS traceability and monitoring guidelines mandated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Aimed at combating cybercrime, these measures seek to enhance security by allowing users to block suspicious calls and messages effectively. By tracing SMS sources more accurately, telecom operators can swiftly identify and block fraudulent messages, improving the fight against scams and phishing attempts. 

Additionally, organizations sending promotional SMS, such as banks and e-commerce companies, must adhere to TRAI’s telemarketing standards, or risk their messages being blocked. This initiative aims to create a safer SMS ecosystem, giving users a clearer means to distinguish legitimate messages from scams. Yet, the vast volume of commercial messages sent in India—between 1.5 and 1.7 billion daily—makes it challenging to implement such a system seamlessly. With high-volume traffic, the infrastructure for monitoring requires robust capabilities to ensure message traceability without slowing down service for time-sensitive messages, especially for critical banking and transaction-related OTPs. Another layer of concern involves potential delays in urgent messages. 

These requirements could slow the delivery of essential communications, such as OTPs used in online banking. Telecoms are working to prevent this issue, as delays in these transactional messages could interrupt online financial processes. Balancing security and timely delivery is essential for TRAI and telecom providers, particularly for consumers who rely on timely OTPs and other immediate notifications. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents key telecom companies like Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone-Idea, has requested a two-month delay to facilitate a smoother transition. This extension would allow telecom operators additional time to set up necessary infrastructure and conduct thorough testing to avoid unintentional service disruptions. 

While TRAI maintains its commitment to the November deadline, telecom companies argue that extra preparation time could ensure reliable service delivery and a smoother rollout. Telecom providers have committed to ensuring user security remains intact while providing efficient service. TRAI’s objective is to foster a more secure digital communication environment where consumers feel protected against fraud and unauthorized data use. However, the effectiveness of these changes depends heavily on the ability of telecom companies to meet these new standards without compromising service quality. 

TRAI’s new SMS traceability requirements represent a meaningful step forward in enhancing consumer protection against digital scams. Despite logistical challenges, this initiative could make India’s messaging landscape safer, allowing consumers greater peace of mind. The success of this system depends on how effectively telecom providers can balance secure traceability with minimal disruption to essential services, paving the way for a digital space that prioritizes both security and efficiency.
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SIM Card Operation
Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cybersecurity CyberThreat Data Breach Mobile Network Police Raid SIM SIM Card Operation

Sandton Police Raid Uncovers Massive Counterfeit SIM Card Operation

 


In response to a tip-off about suspicious activities occurring at a Sandton home, the South African Police Service (SAPS) took action. Upon receiving this information, members of the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit operationalised the intelligence as soon as possible and raided the residence. It was discovered by the police officers upon their arrival that over 40 people, ranging in age from 17 to 36, were occupying the property. They are suspected illegal immigrants who are suspected to be living there illegally. There was a garage and a backroom at the house that were bursting with SIM cards from all of South Africa's mobile networks after a thorough search of the house. 

It is believed that the SIM cards were produced using a substantial number of computers that were found along with them. Various mobile network technicians were summoned at the scene of the discovery to verify the authenticity of the SIM cards that were discovered. As a result of their evaluation, the police were able to identify that the SIM cards were in fact counterfeit, highlighting the seriousness of the incident. Police arrested 43 suspected illegal immigrants, along with two South African nationals. Their alleged crimes are serious in nature and are backed by serious charges. 

There are some of them that are alleged to have violated the Cyber Crime Act, committed fraud, and violated immigration laws in violation of these laws. The SAPS have stated that it is likely that even more suspects will be apprehended as the investigation continues. The raid has resulted in a significant number of arrests, but the investigation is far from over. It is the goal of the investigation to dismantle the entire network behind this operation and identify any additional actors involved, and the aim is to dismantle the entire network. There was a garage and backroom in the premises that was filled with thousands of counterfeit Sim cards from all major South African mobile networks, according to the search. Among the other things that were found by investigators were a variety of computers, printers, and other equipment that was used to fabricate the fake cards. 

A preliminary investigation indicates that all of the cards were produced on-site, using advanced technology to replicate the cards of legitimate networks. According to the reports, counterfeiters are selling fake SIM cards to unsuspecting customers who then use the Sim cards to make calls, send texts, and access mobile data without any suspicion being discovered. It is alleged that two South Africans have contravened the Cyber Crime Act 19 of 2020, conspired to commit fraud, and migrated illegally to the United States. There are reportedly 41 more suspects in the investigation, all of whom are the result of illegal immigrants who are reportedly in South Africa without a visa. 

Deportation proceedings are currently underway against them. The seized items were examined by technicians from several mobile network providers in order to get an idea of what they were worth. It has now been confirmed that they were indeed imitation SIM cards, which were likely to be used for fraudulent purposes and cybercrime. At the scene of the incident, a total of 43 suspected illegal immigrants, two South Africans, and one South American were arrested. There are multiple charges against them, including contraventions of the Cyber Crime Act, fraud and illegal immigration, all of which are currently being investigated.

It appears that the arrests might not come to an end as a spokesperson for Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit suggested. There are many ways in which criminals exploit digital vulnerabilities to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of organizations, and this operation highlights the growing issue of cybercrime. Furthermore, the article points out that vigilant law enforcement is vital to combating these types of crimes, as is the role that community intelligence plays in assisting law enforcement. In light of this significant operation, the SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to combatting cybercrime and illegal immigration. This raid underscores the critical importance of community involvement in identifying and reporting suspicious activities, enabling law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively. 

The ongoing investigation aims to unearth the full extent of the counterfeit SIM card network and bring all involved parties to justice. As the investigation continues, the SAPS has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may aid in dismantling similar operations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime and the relentless efforts required to safeguard the nation's digital infrastructure. The SAPS assures the community that it will continue to prioritize such cases and uphold the rule of law to protect the integrity of South Africa's telecommunications networks. 

The successful raid and subsequent arrests highlight the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between law enforcement and mobile network providers. Together, they strive to mitigate the risks posed by cybercriminals and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
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Technology
Cellular Network Connectivity eSIM Mobile Network Mobiles Network SIM Technology

Revolutionizing Connectivity: The Rise of iSIMs in the Mobile Industry

 

The mobile industry is on the verge of a groundbreaking transformation, spearheaded by the advent of integrated SIMs, or iSIMs. According to a new report from Juniper Research, the number of iSIMs in connected devices is expected to soar from 800,000 in 2024 to more than 10 million by 2026. This staggering 1,200% increase is anticipated to be driven by the release of the GSMA's SGP.41/42 specifications by the end of 2025. These specifications aim to standardize and streamline the rollout of iSIM-enabled devices, thereby enhancing their accessibility and adoption. 

An iSIM, also known as an Integrated Universal Integrated Circuit Card (iUICC), represents an evolution of the eSIM (embedded SIM) technology by integrating directly into the device’s processor. This innovation eliminates the need for a separate SIM module, heralding a future where traditional SIM cards are rendered obsolete and networks can preload plans onto devices during the manufacturing process. The GSMA's SGP.41/42 specifications will facilitate In-factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP), allowing iSIM profiles to be uploaded onto devices during production. This capability simplifies the process for both manufacturers and consumers by enabling devices to be shipped with pre-configured cellular connectivity.  

Despite the optimistic forecast, Juniper's report points out that the absence of an industry-wide standard for iSIM technology could pose challenges. Without an official standard, manufacturers might be reluctant to launch iSIM solutions. Elisha Sudlow-Poole, the author of Juniper Research’s report, emphasizes the need for eSIM vendors to develop standard-agnostic platforms that can adapt to various form factors, standards, and use-case requirements. Furthermore, eSIM vendors must cultivate trusted partnerships with manufacturers to ensure the widespread adoption of iSIM connectivity services once they become sought after in the market. 

Juniper's study projects that the number of iSIM connections will surge to 210 million globally by 2028. This growth will be fueled by the adoption of iSIM technology in sectors such as smart energy meters and remote logistics, where there is a demand for power-efficient and compact devices. As these and other industries recognize the advantages of iSIM technology, the mobile industry's landscape will continue to evolve, ushering in a new era of connectivity and convenience. 

The shift to iSIMs represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the mobile industry, promising improved efficiency, security, and user experience. With the expected release of standardized guidelines and the increasing adoption of iSIM technology, the coming years are likely to witness profound changes in how devices connect to networks, ultimately benefiting both consumers and businesses. This transition underscores the mobile industry’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to enhancing connectivity solutions for a rapidly advancing digital world.
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User Security
Data Breach Mobile Network Personal Information User Data User Security

A Data Breach at a Croatian Phone Company Affects 200,000 Customers

 

Croatian phone company 'A1 Hrvatska' has announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 10% of its users, or approximately 200,000 persons. A1 Hrvatska is a Croatian mobile network operator and a strategic partner of Vodafone. It is part of the Telekom Austria Group. A1 is the first and only operator in Croatia to offer the complete 5-play service, which comprises A1 TV, mobile and fixed telephony, and mobile and fixed Internet. 

The notification doesn't go into much depth, other than to say that they had a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to one of their user databases, which contained sensitive personal information. Full names, personal identity numbers, physical addresses, and phone numbers have all been accessed. 

"Unfortunately, despite advanced protection measures and the constant raising of the level of security, a security incident occurred related to one of the user databases, which compromised part of the personal data of part A1 of users. We emphasize that information on bank cards and accounts is not compromised because it is not available in the specified database. We will directly inform all users whose personal data is potentially compromised," said the company. 

A criminal complaint was also filed with the Zagreb Police Administration right away, and information experts assisted in identifying the culprits of the crime. In addition, the competent institutions HAKOM and AZOP, with which the company works closely, were notified. 

A1 Hrvatska is a strategic partner of Vodafone, whose Portugal region was subjected to a very disruptive cyberattack, resulting in the suspension of 4G and 5G data services. Strategic partners occasionally share online infrastructure, but in this case, the link appears implausible, but it cannot be fully ruled out. Because the event does not appear to have impacted A1 Hrvatska's services or operations, it appears to be an instance of unauthorised database access, either through a misconfiguration or stolen credentials. 

 "A1 Croatia adheres to the highest security standards and data protection, and we will continue to make additional investments in improving the security environment. The recurrence of this security incident is not possible and has not had and will not affect the provision of services to customers," the company said.
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Technology
5G Network Mobile Network Russia St. Petersburg Technology

5G network may appear in St. Petersburg by 2022


The representative of the Russian President on digital and technological development Dmitry Peskov said that in two years 5G mobile network could be launched in St. Petersburg. According to him, it will be certified at the World Radiocommunication Conference in the near future.

Mobile operators MTS and MegaFon have already received permission to create a test zone for testing 5G. Tests are planned to be carried out at frequencies in the range of 2.5-2.7 GHz.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defense, the FSB and the Federal Security Service opposed 5G, saying that this resource is used by government services and its transfer to civilian means of communication is inappropriate for security and defense reasons. To date, negotiations are underway to provide organizations with the necessary frequencies that belong to the special services.

In addition, representatives of MTS and MegaFon do not see an urgent need to launch fifth-generation communications, as the technology is expensive. In the near future, 5G technology will not be able to be used by residents of the whole country, but only of certain territories, since its technical maintenance is more complicated than LTE networks.

It is interesting to note that the first operator interested in new generation technology is MegaFon. In 2014, the company signed an agreement with Huawei on the creation of 5G test networks. For example, the operator will begin to test the operation of telemedicine services in medical institutions with the help of a new generation of mobile communications in Moscow from 2019. In addition, 5G speed record belongs to MegaFon. In June, the operator managed to achieve network data transfer at a speed of 35 gigabits per second. The tests were carried out in the laboratory on Huawei equipment.

It should be noted that 5G technologies are designed for higher bandwidth compared to 4G. New network will allow subscribers to connect with each other directly, and the speed of mobile Internet will grow to 1-2 Gbit / s. At the moment, the fifth generation networks are already deployed in several major US cities. Switzerland is actively implementing 5G in Europe. South Korea became the first country in the world to launch commercial services of the newest network in the spring of this year.
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