Ethical Hacking News
Cybercriminals are now using a new tactic to target victims with scam text messages. Known as "SMS blasters," these devices impersonate cell phone towers and force phones into using insecure connections, allowing scammers to send millions of malicious texts indiscriminately. As the use of SMS blasters spreads globally, experts warn that individuals must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves from these threats.
The cybercriminals are using "SMS blasters" that impersonate cell phone towers, forcing phones into insecure connections. SMS blasters can send huge volumes of scam texts indiscriminately and have been reported in multiple countries. The devices use false signals to target phones, pushing them down from 4G to 2G security measures before sending malicious SMSes. Law enforcement officials have reported seizures of SMS blasters worldwide, including London. The technology was originally developed for military use and has been adapted by cybercriminals. SMS blasters can bypass security controls and deliver scam texts without being detected. Individuals should be vigilant when receiving unsolicited text messages and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. To avoid falling prey, smartphone users can disable 2G connections on their devices or use advanced protection modes.
WIRED has obtained exclusive information about a new tactic used by cybercriminals to send millions of scam text messages to people. According to experts, these scammers are now utilizing devices known as "SMS blasters" that can impersonate cell phone towers and force phones into using insecure connections. These blasters are small devices capable of sending huge volumes of scam texts indiscriminately, and their use has been reported in multiple countries, including Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America.
The concept of SMS blasters is not new; however, their widespread adoption and increased sophistication mark a significant shift in the tactics employed by cybercriminals. These devices are essentially illegitimate phone masts, often referred to as cell-site simulators (CSS), which broadcast false signals to targeted devices. The process begins when a phone near a blaster is forced to connect to its illegitimate 4G signals. Once connected, the blaster pushes the device to downgrade to the less secure 2G signal, and then it sends malicious SMSes to the mobile phones initially captured by the 4G false base station.
The use of SMS blasters has been detected in various regions, including Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, and South America. According to researchers, these devices are being sold openly online for thousands of dollars, highlighting the ease with which cybercriminals can acquire them. Law enforcement officials have reported seizures of SMS blasters in multiple countries, including London, where seven such devices were confiscated.
The impact of this new tactic on mobile security is significant. With traditional mobile networks, messages are subject to various security measures that protect users from scam text messages. However, because SMS blasters operate outside these networks, they can bypass security controls and send scam texts without being detected. According to experts, this technology was originally developed for military use but has since been adapted by cybercriminals.
While the actual scams themselves have not changed; the way they are delivered has become more sophisticated. Phishing messages are still designed to get victims to click on malicious links and hand over personal information. However, with SMS blasters, scammers can now deliver these messages in a much larger scale and with greater precision.
Experts stress that individuals must remain vigilant when it comes to receiving unsolicited text messages. Anyone who receives an suspicious message should take a moment before acting, as the message may be a scam. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies are urging people to report any suspicious activity to them. To avoid falling prey to SMS blasters and related scams, smartphone users can take several precautions.
For instance, they can disable 2G connections on their devices by visiting their settings menu. Android's Advanced Protection mode automatically disables 2G connections on some newer phones, while Apple's Lockdown Mode will also do so. However, it is essential to note that even with these precautions in place, there is always a risk of falling victim to these types of scams.
The rise of SMS blasters highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and its constant adaptation to new technologies. As law enforcement agencies and mobile operators continue to develop new security measures to combat these threats, cybercriminals will likely find ways to evolve their tactics as well.
Ultimately, it is up to individuals to be aware of these risks and take proactive steps to protect themselves from SMS blasters and related scams. By staying informed and vigilant, smartphone users can minimize the risk of falling prey to these types of attacks.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Cybercriminals-New-Arsenal-The-Rise-of-SMS-Blasters-and-the-Threat-to-Mobile-Security-ehn.shtml
https://www.wired.com/story/sms-blasters-scam-texts/
Published: Thu Sep 18 06:28:23 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
