Opinion: Telecom Signaling Weaknesses Leave U.S. Troops Exposed to Tracking and Interception

Summary

A former Army communications sergeant argues that SS7 signaling weaknesses let attackers track phones, intercept communications and disrupt service, and urges telecom oversight, carrier audits and stronger Pentagon mobile service for troops.

Key points

The article says Iran is reportedly targeting U.S. military personnel through their smartphones.
It explains that SS7 signaling attacks can enable location tracking, call and text interception, phone-number spoofing and service denial.
The author says attackers can exploit signaling without installing malware, sending phishing links or requiring user error.
A CISA official reportedly said in 2024 that numerous successful attempts had stolen location data, monitored messages, delivered spyware and influenced voters through text messages.
The article cites Salt Typhoon hacks against major U.S. telecoms and says carriers refused senators’ demands for cybersecurity audits.
The author calls for tighter controls on leased network access, carrier security audits and yearly penetration tests.
The author says the Pentagon’s Spiral 4 cellular contract, renewed in 2024, could prevent a switch to more secure service until 2034.