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How A Contractor Exploited A Vulnerability In The FCC Website (wirelessestimator.com)

Posted by EditorDavid on from the needing-more-than-a-lock-screen dept.

RendonWI writes: A Wisconsin wireless contractor discovered a flaw in the FCC's Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) database, and changed the ownership of more than 40 towers from multiple carriers and tower owners into his company's name during the past five months without the rightful owners being notified by the agency, according to FCC documents and sources knowledgeable of the illegal transfers. Sprint, AT&T and key tower companies were targeted in the wide-ranging thefts... Changing ASR ownership is an easy process by applying online for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) which is instantly granted whether the factual or inaccurate information is provided. Then, once logged in, an FRN holder can submit a form stating that they are the new owner of any or multiple structures in the database. As soon as it is submitted, the change is immediately reflected in the ASR.

11 of 69 comments (clear)

  1. Summary? by Rockoon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Why doesnt the summary indicate in any way what was gained by the perpetrator in doing this?

    --
    "His name was James Damore."
    1. Re:Summary? by gnasher719 · · Score: 2

      Why doesnt the summary indicate in any way what was gained by the perpetrator in doing this?

      I would think a warm cell and three meals a day?

    2. Re: Summary? by Entrope · · Score: 2

      Changing the owner that is listed in one federal database doesn't actually transfer ownership of the assets in question.

    3. Re: Summary? by Radish03 · · Score: 2

      That would actually be Geese's Christ, the winged counterpart to Deer God in the animal pantheon.

    4. Re: Summary? by Maxwell'sSilverLART · · Score: 2

      whats the H. stand for?

      Haploid.

      --
      Moderate drunk! It's more fun that way!
    5. Re: Summary? by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 2

      Changing the owner that is listed in one federal database doesn't actually transfer ownership of the assets in question.

      Yes, but those entries may be enough to enable you to bluff your way through some other transaction or fraud scheme, if it looks like you're the owner.

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
  2. ugh..... by starblazer · · Score: 3, Informative

    What a jackass... now the FCC is going to burden us honest folk with extra paperwork. I liked being able to submit my AU to the ULS and it being approved the next day automatically.

  3. Why? by mhkohne · · Score: 4, Interesting

    From the article: "It is unknown why Nix changed the ownership of the structures or what benefits would be derived by being able to identify that Aura owned a $12-plus million group of towers."

    This seems like a 'Step 2: ???' kinda plan, since the FCC database gets you exactly nothing in terms of money, or ability to transfer ownership of the towers.

    Weird.

    --
    A thousand pounds of wood moving at 300 feet per minute. Don't get in the way.
    1. Re:Why? by PPH · · Score: 2

      Borrow against them.

      After 2008, bankers are desperate to write new loans against practically anything. Since the home mortgage business is being watched like a hawk by regulators, lots of business scams are popping up.

      --
      Have gnu, will travel.
    2. Re:Why? by mysidia · · Score: 2

      Bankers are going to require more paperwork to show clear title than a listing in the FCC database,
      just because you're listed as owner doesn't mean there's no Lien or other mortgage against the property, for example.

  4. To everyone wondering what was gained by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    When I, a small wISP owner, want to access a tower I look up the tower owner in the FCC database. I then contact said owner and proceed to work out a lease agreement. When I, a small wisp owner, want a bank loan I attach my FCC Database records as part of proof of ownership. The structure itself very often does not have records with the county like land does. The land can be owned by J. Q. Public, Et Al. Now I have $12M worth of assets and can get a 3 to 5m loan with a very attractive rate because its so far under my asset value.