FAR FROM HOME - MOBILE SURVEILLANCE threat INTELLIGENCE
Far From Home is a series of threat intelligence reports providing a vision into surveillance attacks and cyber espionage campaigns targeting US mobile phones. The reports expose years of active surveillance operations, resulting in media stories and whistleblower disclosures to US agencies. The reports expose source countries and network operators originating these attacks. Featuring deep insights into threat operations, these reports are the culmination of independent expert investigations into attack data from state sponsors and organized crime groups.
Exigent Media has transitioned the publishing of mobile cyber research reports to The Mobile Intelligence Alliance, a mission-focused threat research organization. Visit the MIA site to access extensive research on mobile espionage threats and more.
Far From Home - threat intelligence report highlights
Foreign Surveillance Activity of US Mobile Users is Massive in Scale
With millions of transactions, massive volumes of threat activity have occurred for years and continues to this day.
Allies, Adversaries and Neutral Countries Participate in Espionage Targeting US Phones
Surveillance operations are not limited to traditional adversaries. Allied and neutral countries also participate actively to monitor phone locations and communications.
Detecting Surveillance Activity is Easier Than Preventing It
Security firewalls provide a layer of detection and prevention. However, many network operators use conservative approaches to reduce the risks of potentially disrupting international roaming service
Attacks Take Place on Both 3G and 4G Networks
Mobile devices use 3G and 4G networks simultaneously. Threat actors exploit both technologies to increase the success rates of attacks. In 2020, attackers are adapting to favor 4G attack vectors which poses great risks to 5G.
Attacks are Coordinated Between Network Operators
Countries are observed attacking the same mobile users with similar attack methods. Attacks sources from multiple Caribbean countries are observed with indications of network selling to conduct intelligence operations.
The Lack of Security Mandates Increases Attacks From Developing Nations
Current security guidelines are not sufficient to hold networks accountable for these attacks. The lack of mandates encourages small nations to participate in the threat economy, effectively selling their network to adversaries.