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In response to the growing threat of cyber threats to national security and economic stability, this paper introduces the Mobile Number Credibility Quotient (MNCQ), an innovative solution for enhancing mobile number authentication and cybersecurity worldwide. The MNCQ utilizes a dynamic metric system to assess mobile number credibility, countering cybercriminals who exploit temporary numbers for cybercrime.
By leveraging extensive datasets, such as social security and government records, the system validates mobile connections. Its adaptable design enables scalability across regions and data pools, facilitating academia–industry partnerships through a real-time assessment API, thereby bolstering cyber defenses. Moreover, the MNCQ promotes international collaboration against cybercrime, allowing nations to tailor the system to their cybersecurity needs and legal requirements while addressing local threats.
Mobile technology has become essential, with India exemplifying its widespread use. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital transactions, making mobile numbers the cornerstone of the digital ecosystem. Mobile numbers are vital for creating bank accounts, accessing financial services, and even obtaining new mobile numbers. However, while they provide convenience, mobile numbers are also exploited by cybercriminals.
A threat actor requires a mobile number for various criminal activities, such as pilfering funds, impersonating individuals on social media, or orchestrating cybercrime operations via rented web servers. Regulatory measures compel service providers to maintain detailed records of mobile numbers and their corresponding customer data. For cybercriminals, maintaining a legitimate usage footprint is challenging since they typically rely on temporary SIM cards.
Bianco’s Pyramid of Pain categorizes digital artifacts based on the difficulty for a threat actor to change them. For instance, altering a file’s hash signature is easier than changing one’s tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). Despite the critical role of mobile numbers in cybercrime, they have not been proactively addressed as a vulnerability. Evaluating their credibility using the MNCQ framework can empower stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity.
II. THE MNCQ CONCEPT
The MNCQ framework employs a weighted average approach to assess mobile number legitimacy, combining parameters such as ownership history, usage patterns, and regulatory compliance. The final score is normalized to a range of 0 (least credible) to 10 (most credible), and a supplementary Probation Flag identifies numbers with insufficient data for definitive assessment.
III. MNCQ PARAMETERS – INDIAN CONTEXT
For the Indian ecosystem, the following parameters are included:
KYC Status: Complete KYC compliance significantly boosts credibility.
Age of the Mobile Number: Older numbers are seen as more stable.
Number of Previous Owners: Frequent changes lower credibility.
Billing Status: Regular payments reflect reliability.
Government Linkages: Registrations with Aadhar, PAN, and bank accounts add substantial weight.
Additional Verifications: Factors such as driving licenses, employment, educational credentials, device stability, and communication frequency further refine the score.
Negative Indicators: A history of spam or scam reports detracts from credibility.
IV. MNCQ CALCULATION AND EXCHANGE
The MNCQ is computed by amalgamating the weighted scores of individual parameters and normalizing the result to a 0–10 scale. The system outputs a JSON object containing the calculation date, the MNCQ score, and the Probation Flag, facilitating real-time assessments for mission-critical applications.
Designed with a privacy-by-design approach, the MNCQ releases only essential, skeletal information to safeguard user privacy. This strategy adheres to data minimization principles and ensures that only non-intrusive data is shared, in line with ethical guidelines.
A. Telecom Services:
Integrating MNCQ data allows telecom providers to assess the credibility of incoming calls in real time. Calls are labeled as high risk, low risk, or probationary, helping users make informed decisions and avoid fraudulent communications.
B. Multi-Sector Service Authentication:
Service providers (banks, digital wallets, hosting companies, etc.) can incorporate the MNCQ API into registration and transaction processes. This ensures that only numbers with favorable credibility scores are granted access, while numbers flagged as probationary undergo additional verification.
C. International Collaboration:
Nations can customize the MNCQ framework to address local cybersecurity needs while sharing standardized, privacy-preserving data internationally. This promotes a global alliance for threat intelligence and proactive cyber defense.
By integrating the MNCQ with established threat intelligence frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, an additional analytical layer is created. The MNCQ score helps identify patterns in mobile-based cyber threats, enabling a more refined and proactive defense.
The MNCQ is a pioneering approach to mobile number verification that enhances cybersecurity through a robust, scalable, and privacy-conscious framework. By providing real-time, data-driven insights into mobile number credibility, the MNCQ not only mitigates risks but also fosters international cooperation in combating cybercrime. This strategic tool ultimately strengthens digital security and builds trust in our interconnected digital landscape.
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