Google has just announced a series of security improvements on the Android 16 operating system, aiming to protect users from tracking and fraud risks through fake BTS stations.
One notable feature is that the new system can automatically warn if the device is using an insecure mobile network or if that network requests the device's identifying information.
This feature is intended to counter fake base stations, also known commercially as Stingrays, which can pretend to be legitimate BTS stations to trick smartphones into connecting, thereby collecting location data or spreading fraudulent messages.
This technology has been detected in many countries, including Vietnam, with dozens of cases handled by the Ministry of Public Security in the past two years.
However, Google notes that these new features require specialized hardware and will only be available on newer Android devices, typically the Pixel 10 model expected to launch later this summer.
With compatible devices, users can enable network alerts to receive notifications whenever the device connects to an unencrypted network or is asked to provide an identifier such as IMEI or IMSI.
In addition, Android 16 also adds a "2G network protection" mode, allowing users to proactively completely block connections to 2G networks - which are currently the most vulnerable platforms. This is an especially useful feature in the context that Vietnam is still gradually shutting down 2G waves and many cases of using fake BTS to spread fraudulent SMS are still being continuously discovered.
According to cybersecurity experts, adding a layer of warning and control over mobile connections like the one above is an important step in enhancing user protection against espionage risks and high-tech fraud.
However, to be effective, users need to proactively update their devices and operating systems, and be vigilant when receiving messages containing unusual links.
Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/cong-cu-lua-dao-pho-bien-viet-nam-bi-android-16-chan-dung-post1551824.html
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