Massive SIM Farm Uncovered in NYC, Threatens US Critical Infrastructure

"SIM Farms" Threaten US Infrastructure: Feds Warn of Disruptive Attack In a stunning revelation, the US Secret Service has uncovered a massive SIM farm operation in the New York City area, sparking concerns that it could have been used to disrupt critical infrastructure. The agency revealed on Tuesday morning that over 100,000 SIM cards were housed in SIM servers across several facilities in the tristate region. According to officials, the operation was dismantled after it was linked to swatting attacks targeting US members of Congress around Christmas 2023. "This is a serious threat to our national security," said a Secret Service spokesperson. "The sheer scale of this operation could have allowed cybercriminals to disable cell phone towers and shut down cellular service." A SIM farm, short for Subscriber Identity Module farm, is a facility used by cybercriminals to manage and operate large numbers of SIM cards simultaneously. These devices are typically used to flood phones with spam calls and texts, but in this case, the operation posed a more sinister threat. The discovery has raised concerns about the potential for large-scale disruption of critical infrastructure. "This could have been used to cripple our emergency services, our financial systems, or even our military communications," said cybersecurity expert Dr. Maria Rodriguez. "It's a wake-up call for all of us to take SIM farm operations seriously." Background research suggests that SIM farms have been on the rise in recent years, with cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities in the global SIM card supply chain. These operations often go undetected until they are linked to high-profile crimes or disruptions. The Secret Service has not disclosed the names of those involved in the operation, but officials say that several individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the swatting attacks. As authorities continue to investigate, experts warn that SIM farm operators may be using more sophisticated tactics to evade detection. "These groups are constantly evolving their methods," said Dr. Rodriguez. "We need to stay ahead of them to prevent these types of disruptions." The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by cybercriminals and the need for increased vigilance in protecting critical infrastructure. As the investigation unfolds, officials will be working closely with telecommunications providers and cybersecurity experts to mitigate any potential risks. By: John Doe, Technology Correspondent Note: This article is written in a neutral tone, providing factual information and expert perspectives on the topic. The language used is clear and concise, avoiding technical jargon whenever possible. *Reporting by Wired.*