Cellular network is under SMS-attack threat
Hackers can paralyze work of mobile telephone network by sending SMS-spam. This SMS-attack is possible because of specificity of SMS-service work in mobile network. Simultaneously with overload of text channels it is possible to take voice channels from operational status.
Considering that SMS can be sent through Internet, cellular networks are open for DoS-attacks which are regular on-line. During DoS-attacks computer network sends a huge amount of messages to computer under attack, the latter cannot cope with all inquiries and becomes unavailable. Sending 165 SMS in second, a "whole Manhattan" can stay without cellular connection.
Cellular operators admit the possibility of such attacks but declare also that they have effective measures of counteraction. "If you are not ready, this can happen. But if you have opportunity to recognize and resist, then this situation doesn`t worth much.
Other experts suppose that systems of cellular network protection face the same problems as security systems from DoS-attacks. "There is no tendency to create original spams in Internet world. I am sure that in cellular network will be the same", - were comments of Cigital company engineer Gary McGraw.
All largest providers are under threat of SMS-attack. Hackers will need just one computer connected to Internet.
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