Why Telcos and ISPs are the new bullseye for cyber attacks
Antoinette Hodes
Global Solutions Architect and Evangelist | Office of the CTO | Spokesperson | Mentor at Check Point Software Technologies
Telecoms and ISPs have become prime targets for cybercriminals and nation-state attackers alike. Why? Because they represent the perfect storm of vulnerability and value. These networks serve millions of users, power critical infrastructure, and connect everything from personal devices to corporate systems. Yet many Telcos are riddled with outdated equipment, weak security protocols, and thousands of entry points through IoT devices. This makes them a low-hanging fruit for attackers looking for easy access, massive scale, and high-impact disruptions. With the right exploit, a single breach can cascade across entire networks, crippling essential services in an instant.
In an increasingly connected world, Telcos and ISPs are the backbone of our digital infrastructure, keeping businesses and communities online. But with that power comes a massive responsibility: to defend against ever-evolving cyber threats.
Please note that this applies not only to Home Gateways or Set-Top Boxes but extends to a broad range of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) devices, including:
Attack overview 2024
1?? Global Attacks on Network Providers: The mysterious cyber attack that recently took down major Telcos is a chilling reminder that no network is too big to fail source.
2?? Emerging IoT Botnets: New threats like the RAPTOR Train IoT botnet can compromise millions of devices, turning everyday gadgets into an army of attackers targeting ISPs and their customers source.
3?? Router Vulnerabilities: Thousands of DrayTek routers were found to have 14 vulnerabilities, exposing critical networks to cybercriminals. If you don’t patch, you risk letting hackers walk right in source.
4?? Targeted Exploits: Even major hardware vendors like Huawei have faced security flaws affecting ISPs. Recent advisories show that a single vulnerability can ripple through networks worldwide source.
5?? Malware Infiltration: The FBI recently had to remove malware from hundreds of routers across the US, as malicious actors took aim at national infrastructure in an attack known as Volt Typhoon source.
6?? Nation-State Threats: A Chinese cyberattack compromised US broadband providers, with potential access to federal court data, exposing how interconnected critical systems are to ISP security source.
Unlocking the trio of trust
I. Added value for manufacturers |
Brand integrity and trust: A manufacturer that embeds proactive security controls into their CPE devices is one that signals responsibility and reliability. Users are more likely to trust and remain loyal to brands that prioritize their security and safety.
Competitive advantage: In markets congested with generic equipment, those offering enhanced security controls can distinguish themselves. This differentiation often translates into a competitive advantage.
Reduction in support and management costs: Secure devices mean fewer vulnerabilities and fewer instances of customer complaints or software/firmware updates, leading to a significant reduction in support and costs.
Regulatory compliance: Manufacturers that proactively address security are better positioned to meet evolving regulatory (mandatory) requirements, avoiding potential penalties, legal fees and interruptions in the product process.
For manufacturers, embedding proactive security controls within the CPE not only safeguards their brand reputation but also fosters trust among consumers. By prioritizing security in product design and development, manufacturers can differentiate their offerings in a crowded marketplace and establish themselves as leaders in the field. Investing in CPE security enhances customer loyalty and satisfaction, as partners and users seek reliable, secure solutions to safeguard devices, data and privacy. Dedicated security improves overall equipment effectiveness [1].
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Figure 1: Formula overall equipment effectiveness
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II. Added value for partners |
Enhanced product portfolio: Partners and resellers offering secure CPE solutions can present a broader, more compelling product portfolio to potential clients, enhancing their market position.
Customer confidence: By providing secure devices, partners cultivate trust and deepen customer relations, ensuring ongoing business opportunities and client retention.
Lower risk of liability: Distribution of secure CPE devices minimizes the risk of distributing compromised devices that could expose partners to legal liabilities or damage to their reputation.
Upselling opportunities: Security is a growing concern. Partners can upsell additional security services, i.e., monitoring increasing overall sales volume.
Partners within the telecommunications ecosystem can also significantly benefit from enhanced CPE security. It serves as bridge between manufacturers and end-users. Partners play a crucial role in delivering and managing CPE solutions. By aligning with manufacturers that prioritize security, partners can mitigate the risk of security breaches and data compromises. In addition, offering secure CPE solutions enables partners to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the cybersecurity market, driving revenue growth and profitability. Partners will enjoy the benefits from the joint profits [2] by incorporating dedicated CPE security.
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Figure 2: Formula partner profits
III. Added value for the (end) user |
Protection of sensitive data: For the user, CPE security is the frontline defense in protecting their devices and data. Preventing attacks and cyber threats, directly be impacting their personal and professional activities.
Network reliability: Secure CPE ensures that users have a reliable network connection, free from disruptions that might be caused by security breaches or malware infections.
Peace of mind: Knowing that their CPE is secure allows users to interact with digital services confidently, whether for work, communication or entertainment.
Futureproofing: Users with secure CPE can be assured that they are prepared for future security challenges and will not need to invest in new equipment prematurely.
To protect networks and to sustain attacks, a proactive security solution must be implemented. This will block attacks on multiple factors like the user interface (UI), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent, users becoming more insightful when selecting CPE solutions. By choosing products that prioritize security, users can mitigate the risk of data breaches, identity theft and other cyber attacks. This ensures the security and confidentiality of their personal, sensitive information. Furthermore, secure CPE solutions offer users greater control over their network environment, empowering them to customize security settings following enterprise best practices. All this will improve the customer perceived value (CPV). [3]
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Figure 3: Formula customer perceived value
?? What You Need to Know:
?? Proactive security measures are non-negotiable.
Curious and want to read more? Check out our Success Story with Heights Telecom here
In today’s landscape, a secure network is the foundation for everything else. If Telcos and ISPs don’t step up, we all stand to lose.
#CyberSecurity #TelcoSecurity #ISP #IoTSecurity #CPEsecurity #NetworkDefense