Iranian hackers reportedly used SS7 flaws to locate US soldiers via smartphones

Iranian hackers have reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in the SS7 protocol to pinpoint the locations of U.S. soldiers through their mobile phones. The SS7 signaling system, a global standard for telecommunications, has long been known to possess critical security weaknesses.

According to reports, the hackers leveraged these known flaws, which persist despite their exposure, particularly within mobile roaming services. This method allowed them to track individuals, raising serious concerns about the security of military communications and personnel data.

The incident underscores a significant cybersecurity threat, demonstrating how sophisticated adversaries can exploit fundamental infrastructure weaknesses to gain intelligence on military targets. The continued use of SS7 in roaming services, despite its documented vulnerabilities, presents an ongoing risk that could be exploited by state-sponsored hacking groups.