The US Secret Service dismantled a massive network of SIM farms in New York City, containing over 100,000 active SIM cards. This sophisticated operation, possibly linked to nation-state actors, could have caused widespread cellular network disruptions similar to those after 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombing. The farms, capable of sending bulk messages and calls, were used for potentially nefarious activities, including communication with organized crime and terrorist groups. The investigation is ongoing, but authorities highlight the threat such easily established systems pose to critical infrastructure.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.