Secret Service discovers plot capable of shutting down NYC’s cellular network

KEY POINTS

The U.S. Secret Service uncovered a covert cellular network around New York City capable of disabling cell towers and disrupting telecommunications during the United Nations General Assembly.

Over 300 co-located SIM servers and 100,000 SIM cards were strategically placed within 35 miles of the U.N. meeting, allowing anonymous and encrypted communications for potential threat actors.

Authorities have removed the devices and are conducting forensic investigations after an inquiry that began when senior government officials received telecommunications threats in spring.

Secret Service investigators announced on Tuesday the discovery of a cellular network placed across several sites that had the potential to disable cell towers and essentially shut down New York City’s cellula