Android users can now disable 2G to block Stingray attacks

LASER_oneXM

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Feb 4, 2016
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Google has finally rolled out an option on Android allowing users to disable 2G connections, which come with a host of privacy and security problems exploited by cell-site simulators.
The addition of the option was spotted by EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation), which calls the development a victory for privacy protection.

Caught by “stingrays”​

A cell-site simulator, also known as “stingray” or IMSI Catcher, is a device that masquerades as a cell tower, forcing cell phones in their range to connect to it.
This connection enables the operators of these Stingrays to perform man-in-the-middle attacks and intercept sensitive personal information such as:

  • Device IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity)
  • Call metadata like dialed number and duration
  • SMS and voice call content
  • Data usage and web browsing history
 

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