Google has released Android 12, the latest version of its popular Android operating system, which includes new features, designs, and colours. However, a "kill switch" for 2G networking is one of the more minor features.
According to a report by ArsTechnica, the Electronic Frontier Foundation is attempting to phase out 2G by 2020, and is now using Android 12 for its 2G kill switch. However, the question arises as to why Google and the EFF are attempting to discontinue 2G, which was the previous cellular standard. Obviously, there's a good reason for this, and that reason is privacy. Because the aging cellular standard lacks protection.
Carriers in the United States have already begun to shut down 3G networks, but the problem with modern handsets is that they actively seek 2G service. According to the EEF, "there are two major issues with 2G." To begin, it employs weak encryption between the tower and the device, which an attacker can crack in real time to intercept calls or text messages. In fact, the attacker can do this without ever sending a single packet."
"The second problem with 2G is that there is no authentication of the tower to the phone, which means that anyone can seamlessly impersonate a real 2G tower and a phone using the 2G protocol will never be the wiser," the group continued. To disable 2G connectivity, Android 12 users must navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Allow 2G and toggle the setting off. The EEF has even urged Apple to follow suit with this action.
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