ISP Intel Insider | Edition 12

Happy New Year! After a short holiday break, we’re excited to be back and ready to dive into the critical conversations shaping the broadband and telecom industry. This week, we’re revisiting a topic that remains top of mind for ISPs: cybersecurity. As threats continue to evolve, staying ahead of potential risks is more important than ever. From protecting your networks to safeguarding customer data, we’ll explore why a robust cybersecurity strategy is essential for success in 2025 and beyond.

The Growing Threat of Espionage in Telecom

As the holiday season came to a close, a chilling reminder of the cybersecurity challenges facing the telecommunications industry emerged: the revelation of a ninth telecommunications company targeted by the Salt Typhoon campaign. This campaign underscores the persistent vulnerabilities in the telecom sector and the urgent need for providers to strengthen their defenses.

The Espionage Campaign: A Brief Overview

According to reports, these attacks are part of a larger effort by Chinese-linked threat actors to infiltrate critical telecom networks worldwide. By exploiting vulnerabilities and gaining access to sensitive data, these attackers are not only compromising company operations but also threatening national security. The ninth victim highlights a disturbing trend: telecom companies are prime targets because of their role as gatekeepers of global communications.

Why Telecom Companies Are at Risk

Telecom providers manage the backbone of internet and voice communications, storing vast amounts of sensitive customer and business data. This makes them an attractive target for cyber-espionage, as successful breaches can lead to:

• Intellectual Property Theft
• Surveillance Opportunities
• Widespread Disruption

The Need to Act Now

For ISPs and telecom providers, the message is clear:

proactive cybersecurity measures are not optional—they’re essential

With increasingly sophisticated attacks, relying on basic protections is no longer enough. Companies need to embrace comprehensive strategies that include:

1. Advanced Threat Detection
2. Employee Training
3. Regular Vulnerability Assessments
4. Strategic Partnerships

Whether it's the Chinese espionage campaign or another cyberattack we've heard about, the news serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in securing telecom infrastructure. While the risks are significant, so are the opportunities to build stronger, more resilient networks. By acting decisively now, telecom companies can protect not only their operations but also the trust of their customers and the security of the broader digital ecosystem.

The time to invest in robust cybersecurity measures is today. Let’s work together to safeguard the future of telecommunications.

P.S. Read the AP article about the 9th telecom company here: https://apnews.com/article/united-states-china-hacking-espionage-c5351ef7c2207785b76c8c62cde6c513

Why Multi-Factor Authentication Isn't Enough

Today, multifactor authentication (MFA) is widely recognized as a fundamental security measure. By requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized entry. However, recent incidents have highlighted that MFA alone may not suffice to thwart sophisticated cyber threats.

The Limitations of MFA

While MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond traditional passwords, it is not impervious to advanced hacking techniques. Cybercriminals have developed methods to bypass MFA, including:

• Phishing Attacks: Attackers trick users into revealing MFA codes or approving fraudulent access requests.
• SIM Swapping: By hijacking a user's mobile number, attackers can intercept SMS-based MFA codes.
• MFA Fatigue: Attackers bombard users with repeated MFA prompts, hoping the user will eventually approve one out of frustration or confusion.

These tactics demonstrate that while MFA is a crucial component of cybersecurity, it should not be the sole defense mechanism.

Enhancing Security Beyond MFA

To bolster defenses against sophisticated cyber threats, organizations should consider implementing a multi-layered security strategy. Here are some, just to name a few:

1. Endpoint Protection: This approach offers tools to detect and block threats before they compromise a device.
2. Vulnerability Scanning: Identifying weaknesses in your systems, applications, and networks provides proactive measures before hackers can exploit them.
3. Comprehensive Security Training: Educating employees about the latest phishing techniques and social engineering attacks can reduce the likelihood of credential compromise.
4. Penetration Testing: Conducting a test that simulates a real-world attack uncovers vulnerabilities and tests the effectiveness of security measures.

While multifactor authentication remains a vital tool in the cybersecurity arsenal, it is not a sole remedy. Organizations must adopt a multi-layered security strategy that includes advanced authentication methods, employee education, and continuous monitoring to effectively safeguard against evolving cyber threats.

P.S. Our reflections above stem from a recent Wall Street Journal article that you can view here (if you subscribe): https://www.wsj.com/articles/shun-this-basic-cybersecurity-tactic-and-become-a-target-for-hackers-3082f78f

Why CyberSecurity Can't Wait

We know cybersecurity is a frequent topic of conversation, but it’s for good reason—it’s a critical issue. Recently, we contributed to an ISE Magazine article highlighting why ISPs must prioritize cybersecurity now more than ever. As initiatives like BEAD drive network expansion, cybersecurity often becomes an afterthought, leaving networks exposed to evolving and sophisticated threats. Cybersecurity isn’t just about implementing tools—it’s about fostering a culture of security across the entire organization. The time to act is now.

Read our ISP Magazine article via https://www.chrsolutions.com/blog/article-ise-rising-threats/

As we wrap up this week, we know we’ve focused heavily on cybersecurity—but that’s because it’s such a critical issue for ISPs. Protecting your networks and customers from evolving threats is an essential part of staying competitive and resilient in today’s landscape. We're here to help and we hope to see you same time, same place next week..