It is serious for the government, but also for business.
It concerns vital infrastructure whose functioning can be affected by serious attacks.
According to researchers, attackers could hack the internet to send malicious commands that would disrupt critical infrastructure.
They could also listen in on emergency services.
These are all realistic scenarios, said Wetzels.
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Worryingly, critical infrastructure from all over the world is controlled using TETRA.
TETRA is estimated to be in use in 120 countries.
And you dont even have to be an expert hacker to tap the web link.
Once cracked, hackers could send malicious commands to critical infrastructure undetected.
The researchers first uncovered the vulnerabilities in 2021 and immediately reported them to the Dutch National Cyber Security Centre.
Assumably, the researchers and the authorities only now deemed it safe enough to make the information public.
Aside from their day jobs, Wetzels, Meijer, and Bokslag are so-called ethical hackers.
Both did so to make the technology more secure.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
