The U.S. Secret Service has torn down a massive telecom threat targeting top U.S. officials in the england/new-Yorkyork/”>england/new-york/”>New York tristate area — just in time for the UN General Assembly. This network, packed with Moremore than 300 SIM servers and a staggering 100,000 SIM cards, was ready to wreak havoc on crucial communications.
Massive SIM Card Network Uncovered
The agents uncovered a sprawling operation using electronic devices capable of launching anonymous phone threats. But that’s just the Startstart.
- Disabling cell towers
- Delivering denial of service attacks
- Enabling encrypted, untraceable chats for criminals and possible nation-state actors
Early forensics reveal connections to known federal Lawlaw enforcement targets and foreign threat actors. Experts say the telecom disruption potential here was off the charts.
Swift Action in the Shadow of the UN
With these devices found within 35 miles of the UN General Assembly venue, the Secret Service moved fast. The agency’s Advanced Threat Interdiction Unit, specially set up to tackle looming threats, led the crackdown. The investigation is ongoing.
“The potential for disruption to our country’s telecommunications posed by this network of devices cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran. “Our protective mission focuses on prevention. This bust sends a smashing message to anyone thinking about threatening our protectees – we will find you and stop you.”
Joint Task Force Behind the Bust
The takedown was a team effort. Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the NYPD, and other state and local agencies all chipped in with technical support and expertise.
Stay tuned for updates as this high-Stakesstakes telecom threat investigation continues.