Ofcom closes technical loophole utilized by criminals to intercept cell calls and texts

The UK communications regulator Ofcom is banning cell operators from leasing numbers that can be utilized by means of criminals to intercept and divert calls and messages, together with safety codes despatched by means of banks to shoppers.

Ofcom mentioned it could forestall the leasing of “global titles”, particular kinds of telephone numbers utilized by cell networks to improve products and services to ensure messages and calls achieve the supposed recipient.

The regulator mentioned till now international titles, which might be used within the background of billions of calls and messages despatched international, might be leased out to 3rd events, offering a technical loophole wherein criminals may just pay money for and intercept messages.

Natalie Black, the director for networks and communications at Ofcom, mentioned: “We are taking world-leading action to tackle the threat posed by criminals gaining access to mobile networks. Leased global titles are one of the most significant and persistent sources of malicious signalling. Our ban will help prevent them falling into the wrong hands, protecting mobile users and our critical telecoms infrastructure in the process.”

The National Cyber Security Centre has recognised the chance posed by means of leasing international titles, however Ofcom mentioned it had carried out a ban as a result of industry-led efforts to take on the issue had now not been efficient.

Ollie Whitehouse, the manager technical officer on the NCSC, mentioned: “Today’s announcement marks an important step in the support of our mission to make the UK the safest place to live and work online. This technique, which is actively used by unregulated commercial companies, poses privacy and security risks to everyday users, and we urge our international partners to follow suit in addressing it.”

Ofcom has additionally printed new steerage for cell operators to verify they’re transparent on their obligations to forestall the misuse of worldwide titles.

The ban on getting into new leasing preparations comes into drive instantly. However, for any leasing agreements which might be already in position the ban is not going to come into drive till 22 April 2026. This is designed to provide official companies that now hire international titles from cell networks time to make selection preparations.

Rocio Concha, of the shopper staff Which?, mentioned: “Fraud is the most common crime in the UK so it’s great to see Ofcom take action to close loopholes in mobile networks … Lord Hanson, the fraud minister, must ensure that the government ends the fragmented approach to scam prevention and outlines a more coordinated approach across the tech, banking and telecoms sectors in its upcoming fraud strategy.”