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
Android Users Should Disable 2G Connectivity, Says Google
Android 14 to block connections to unencrypted cellular networks