The FCC is tasking the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council with examining the end-of-life transition of SS7 protocols to IP-based technologies, according to David Simpson, chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. He mentioned a report on “60 Minutes” last weekend on SS7 vulnerabilities on mobile phones.

“The ‘60 Minutes’ report highlights the inherent risk encountered when an end-of-life technology is incrementally replaced by a new one,” Mr. Simpson said. “The demonstration shown in the segment underscores the importance of vigilance by our nation’s communications providers as they phase out SS7 and transition to IP-based networks. The Commission highlighted similar concerns in our Tech Transitions proceeding, and we have made clear that we expect communications providers to proactively assess security risks and take affirmative steps to address vulnerabilities. We will task the CSRIC to examine the end-of-life transition of SS7 to IP-based technologies.”

Courtesy TRDaily