The US Secret Service announced the discovery of a massive illicit network capable of disrupting the city’s mobile communications infrastructure in a breathtaking operation conducted in New York just hours before the start of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. More than 100,000 SIM cards and 300 SIM servers were seized during the operation.
100,000 SIM cards seized
Secret Service officials stated that the investigation was initiated following anonymous phone threats against high-ranking US officials. However, the compromised system was found to have the capacity to disable cell towers, conduct denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and provide encrypted communications for criminal organizations, far beyond simple threats.
Matt McCool, Director of the New York Secret Service Regional Office, stated, “The seized devices no longer pose a threat,” adding that they have brought the situation under control.
Preliminary findings suggest a nation-state actor may be behind the operation. The timing of this operation, which took place during a time when more than 100 world leaders were in the city for the UN General Assembly, raises the possibility of espionage and sabotage. No official statement has yet been released as to which country or group was responsible.
