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These days, there are far fewer choices between Android and iPhone, but most users would rather Google follow than lead. Well, not this time…
Google announced Android 15 Beta 1, and there’s one update that stands out from a security and privacy perspective. Especially since it can’t even be matched by modern iPhones. There’s a hardware component here, so we can expect this to come to Google’s Pixel, but owners of Samsung and other devices will just have to wait.
As I previewed last month, Google is taking privacy to the next level with protection against secret cell phone tracking and interception technology. This is provided through the interface between the cellular radio modem and the Android OS, so the OEM of the phone must include a compliant modem and the necessary OS interface.
This is a weakness of smartphones. Once a cellular channel is opened, devices are programmed to use it openly. The device connects to multiple towers and samples connection strength to optimize performance. Interception tricks a device into leaving the legitimate network and connecting to a local wireless network that provides a strong and available signal. Traditionally, such platforms relied on insecure 2G communication, with all devices failing over as his COOP. However, this is a relatively easy door to close and can be seen through by more sophisticated enemies. The new option will keep him on 4G.
Android’s new cellular defense consists of two parts, but their purpose is largely the same. The first is a user warning if the network repeatedly pings the device for her IMSI phone or IMEI SIM identifier. This isn’t unusual, but if you’re seeing frequent pings, it could be an attempt to track your phone or move it to a less secure network.
This is where the second part of this update kicks in, restricting cellular connections to encryption only. When a cell phone interception platform moves a phone from a public network to a high-performance but localized alternative network, the encryption is removed or significantly reduced, allowing calls, data, and texts to be intercepted.
Google has been dabbling in security features like this since Android 12, primarily by preventing devices from failing over to low-level cellular communications with limited encryption. These settings were not user friendly and were rarely understood. Google is now putting this type of defense at the forefront, and it’s a game changer.
Apple provides 2G blocking on iPhone. This protects against traditional “Stingray” eavesdropping devices that drop mobile phones into largely unencrypted 2G communication channels. However, this only happens in ultra-secure lockdown mode. EFF described this as “a major step toward protecting iOS users from fake cell tower attacks that are used as a vehicle to install spyware such as Pegasus.”
New interception platforms operate on 4G and present a different level of challenge to anti-eavesdropping capabilities. On the other hand, 5G offers much better device security. Even though the phone is continuously bouncing between his 5G and LTE, it is very feasible to disconnect the phone from his 5G connection and is unlikely to cause user concern. It is low.
Pixel users will be looking forward to seeing these features once Android 15 comes out. Normally, I’d expect Samsung to follow suit, but that’s probably not the case. EFF has criticized Samsung in the past for “failing to take steps to include the switch from vanilla Android to 2G…a failure of action”. [that] It suggests that Samsung considers user security and privacy an afterthought. If you are concerned about the security and privacy of your mobile device, you should strongly consider using other hardware. ”
More information will be revealed as we get closer to the release of Android 15. But Google’s security and privacy advances appear to be one of its most notable activities…
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