A new set of security best practices has been released by the CTIA: Messaging Security Best Practices. The CTIA represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and companies throughout the mobile ecosystem in the United States. These guidelines are a response to the growing popularity of messaging services and the corresponding increase in attempts by malicious actors to exploit these platforms. The best practices are intended to help all stakeholders in the messaging ecosystem, including businesses that use messaging to communicate with their customers, to take steps to protect consumers from unwanted and malicious messages.
Key Takeaways for Your Business
The CTIA's Messaging Security Best Practices emphasizes a multi-layered approach to security, with a strong focus on the following three areas:
- Deploy Robust Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A primary defense against unauthorized access is to implement strong authentication protocols. The CTIA recommends adding an extra layer of security by requiring multiple authentication factors.
This can include a combination of passwords, security tokens, or biometric verification. By implementing robust MFA, you can significantly reduce the risk of account takeovers and unauthorized access to your messaging platform.
- Secure Your APIs: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are a common target for attackers. The CTIA recommends that Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) providers and message senders monitor the use of API credentials for evidence of compromise. Where there is evidence of a compromise, immediate action should be taken to remedy the problem. Businesses should also ensure that they have written agreements with any third parties that are given access to API credentials, and these agreements should describe the appropriate use, protection, and sharing of those credentials.
- Actively Monitor Accounts for Intrusion: The CTIA recommends that all stakeholders in the messaging ecosystem should monitor their respective systems and take appropriate action to address any activity that suggests the system has been compromised.
This includes monitoring for "Unwanted Messages" that may be an indicator of a security breach. Other best practices include conducting regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
What This Means for You & Actions to Take
The CTIA's new best practices are a clear signal that the wireless industry is taking the threat of messaging fraud and abuse seriously. While these best practices are voluntary, they are widely adopted by the industry, and non-compliance can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including the blocking of your messages by mobile carriers.
We recommend that you take the following steps to ensure that your business is in compliance with these new best practices:
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Action
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Description
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Review Your Authentication Practices
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Ensure that you have implemented robust MFA for all user accounts, especially those with access to your messaging platform.
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Secure Your APIs
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Review your API security practices and ensure that you are in compliance with the CTIA's recommendations. This includes monitoring for compromised credentials and having written agreements with any third parties who have access to your APIs.
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Enhance Your Monitoring Capabilities
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Implement a system for actively monitoring your messaging platform for signs of intrusion and take immediate action to address any suspicious activity.
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Educate Your Team
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Ensure that your team is aware of the latest messaging security threats and best practices.
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By taking these steps, you can help to protect your business and your customers from the growing threat of messaging fraud and abuse.
