- Android 16 will include alerts for fake cells of cells and suspicious networks
- Update detects the “stingray” devices which are in the form of cell towers
- Functionality likely to arrive with devices that launch on Android 16
Not all mobile networks are what it seems. If your smartphone involuntarily connects to a false cell tower, this could expose your private data to interception. Fortunately, Google does something: a new safety feature in Android 16 is designed to detect suspicious connections and warn you if someone is trying to listen to your calls and SMS.
Cell -mast simulators, called “stingray” devices, create a can (word game) signal that can encourage your mobile to reveal your location and communications. It is a delicate tactic that was previously undetectable for smartphones users. So far, users have had a very limited toolbox to protect themselves.
To combat the risk of silent espionage, Google has developed a warning system that detects these thug networks and flags when a connection is not what it seems. Should arrive with new Android 16 devices, it is a background feature with major implications for confidentiality.
More bogus towers
The bites of bites work by imitating the cell towers. When a smartphone connects to the false network, its operator can follow the device and collect the data, including unique identifiers such as the IMEI. It can also transfer the device to a less secure network to intercept calls and messages – all without any indication to the targeted user.
A sort of IMSI recipient, Stinggrays is known to be used by law enforcement organizations. Although they are sometimes justified in the name of national security, they also have the potential of improper use, especially if they fall into the hands of harmful actors.
Stingray devices generally use 2G to target smartphones. Even if you are on 4G or 5G, most phones can fall to 2G. This integrated vulnerability can be operated by Stinggrays: by diffusing a high 2G signal, they can encourage devices nearby to connection. Because 2G networks lack modern encryption standards and do not authenticate the towers, your phone cannot check if they are real.
Currently, the best way to protect yourself from Stingray attacks is to completely deactivate the 2G network connectivity.
The Android 16 update adds another protective layer. According to the developer’s notes on the open source Android project, it introduces “network notification” warnings. Compatible phones can detect when a mobile network requires device identifiers or try to force it on an unacyptated connection. These two events will be reported to the end user.
The functionality can be configured under the “mobile network security” in the settings menu, as well as the option to activate the protection of the 2G network. The problem is that no Android phone really has the equipment required to unlock the functionality – not even the best pixel phones. This is why the parameter is currently hidden.
Consequently, it is likely that the first Android phones having the possibility of detecting the false cell towers will be launched later this year. There is a good chance that he will make his debut on Google Pixel 10, which could well make it the most secure smartphone of all time.
