Security News > 2020 > February > Security holes in 2G and 3G networks will pose a risk for next several years
Despite the growth of 5G and 4G, older network technologies beset with certain security flaws will be around for many more years, says enterprise security provider Positive Technologies.
For its "SS7 network security analysis" report, Positive Technologies analyzed the networks of 28 telecom providers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, between 2018 and 2019.
Much of the problem lies in the underlying Signaling System No. 7 protocol used to exchange signaling messages in 2G and 3G networks.
"Although there are talks amongst mobile operators to retire and shut down their 2G and 3G networks, GSMA reports that these previous generation networks will still be available to the public over the next five years," Positive Technologies Chief Technology Officer Dmitry Kurbatov said in a press release.
"Whilst operators have been hasty in turning their attention away from 2G and 3G, the reality is that the newer networks are also built using previous generation networks' infrastructure, meaning they are plagued with the same SS7 security issues. For example, some 4G features are still dependent on 2G/3G systems, including sending SMS messages and establishing call connections."