Telfor Journal (Jun 2013)

On a Malware Targeting Private Telephony Networks during Cyber Conflict

  • I. I. Androulidakis,
  • V. Vlachos,
  • Y. Kamphuis

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
pp. 2 – 7

Abstract

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Telecommunication networks have long ago entered the Critical Infrastructure domain. Apart from the public telephony network, there is a parallel private telephony network, consisting of Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs) that serve the communication needs of private or public entities. Their penetration in the market is substantial. As a result, thousands of PBX installations are present in every country serving many times more users in vital infrastructures (including health, safety, security, economy, energy). Therefore, attacking PBXs can have critical effects that disrupt society and can clearly be used in warlike situations. PBXs are an integral part of the critical infrastructure, along with the public telephony network. The contribution of this work focuses on the theoretical and practical capabilities of a malware able to target PBXs. Such an occurrence would have devastating effects on the communication confidentiality, integrity and availability.

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