up::[[Social Engineering Techniques]] # Caller ID Spoofing ## Definition Caller ID spoofing is a technique where attackers manipulate the caller ID information to make it appear as though the call is coming from a trusted or known number. This is often used in [[Social Engineering Techniques|social engineering]] attacks to gain trust and deceive the target into divulging sensitive information or performing specific actions. ## Key Features - **Caller ID Manipulation:** Alters the phone number displayed on the recipient's caller ID. - **Ease of Access:** Spoofing apps and services are widely available and inexpensive. - **Human Trust Exploitation:** Leverages the recipient’s trust in known or official numbers. - **Limited Verification:** Often bypasses verification processes that rely on phone numbers. ## Problem Addressed Caller ID spoofing is a tool for social engineers to bypass security measures and exploit the trust associated with familiar phone numbers. It is particularly effective in [[phishing]] attacks, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. ## Implications - **Security Breach:** Compromises the integrity of phone-based authentication and verification processes. - **Privacy Violation:** Enables attackers to impersonate trusted entities, leading to unauthorized access to personal and sensitive data. - **Financial Fraud:** Facilitates fraudulent activities such as bank account takeovers and unauthorized transactions. ## Impact - **Trust Erosion:** Decreases trust in phone-based communications and verification methods. - **Financial Loss:** Can result in significant financial losses for individuals and organizations. - **Increased Security Measures:** Necessitates the implementation of additional security protocols to mitigate spoofing risks. ## Defense Mechanisms - **Callback Verification:** Implementing callback systems to verify the caller’s identity. - **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** Using 2FA methods that do not rely solely on phone numbers. - **Service Codes and PINs:** Adding service codes, PINs, and verbal passcodes for identity verification. - **Advanced Caller ID:** Using advanced caller ID verification technologies to detect and block spoofed calls. ## Exploitable Mechanisms/Weaknesses - **Lack of Unified Telecom Standards:** Variations in telecom security standards make it difficult to implement uniform spoofing prevention measures. - **Dependence on Caller ID:** Overreliance on caller ID for verification without additional layers of security. - **Inadequate Verification Processes:** Insufficient verification methods that do not cross-check the authenticity of the caller’s identity. ## Common Tools/Software - **Spoofing Apps:** Applications available on app stores that allow users to spoof caller IDs. - **Voice Cloning Tools:** Software that can mimic a person’s voice, making spoofing even more convincing. - **[[OSINT]] Tools:** [[OSINT|Open-source intelligence]] tools to gather information about targets to make spoofing more effective. ## Current Status Caller ID spoofing remains a prevalent threat due to the lack of comprehensive anti-spoofing measures in telecom systems. While some progress has been made in implementing standards like STIR/SHAKEN in the United States, global adoption and enforcement are inconsistent. ## Revision History - **2024-06-02:** Date added. ## References - [FCC on Caller ID Spoofing](https://www.fcc.gov/spoofing) - [STIR/SHAKEN Implementation](https://www.fcc.gov/call-authentication) - [[Rachel Tobac's Social Engineering Best Practices]]