The Secret Service and NYPD thwarted a plot to disrupt telecommunications in New York City.
The plot was discovered the week that World Leaders address the United Nations.
The U.S. Secret Service uncovered a scheme to disrupt New York City's telecommunications network while investigating threats against three individuals, one of whom had "direct access" to President Trump. Due to the suspected involvement of a foreign government, agencies are sharing limited information. The news emerged Tuesday as the United Nations General Assembly commenced its General Debate, featuring addresses by world leaders.
Although the Secret Service was uncertain whether the plot against New York City's telecom system was connected to the UN meetings, it opted to proceed cautiously, particularly given the current U.S. political climate. The agency is now actively investigating other locations to assess the plot's scope.
The Secret Service and the NYPD reported seizing 100,000 cellphone SIM cards and hundreds of servers in the New York City area. Authorities are still working to ascertain the equipment's intended purpose and whether a specific target existed. One report indicated the equipment could send 30 million anonymous texts per minute, enough to cripple New York's telecom system.
All seized equipment was located within 35 miles of the UN. Agents suspect nation-state actors used the equipment to send encrypted messages to organized crime groups, cartels, and terrorist organizations.
The servers could have enabled mass calls and texts, overloading local networks. Matt McCool, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York field office, stated that the system's capabilities were significant. He said that it could disable cell towers, disrupting communication. He added that if this were combined with another event related to the UN General Assembly, the consequences for the city could be catastrophic.
Investigators stated that they do not think the UN talks face an immediate threat.
In other news, after a year of work, "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" will be released in a few months. The coffee table book will explore the technological revolution of the 21st century. More details are available via a provided link.