Hackers can infiltrate your texts, calls, and location with $200 of radio equipment, report finds
5G is already calling in some massive security flaws.
The newest generation of cellular communications hasn't even gone mainstream yet, but a report published Sunday shows it contains vulnerabilities that let hackers easily snoop on a device's phone calls, texts, and even precise real-time location. The nature of these attacks means devices on 5G, along with the already widespread 4G, can be infiltrated with simple radio equipment that costs around $200, TechCrunch explains.
4G wireless cell services have powered most smartphones for the past few years, and speedier 5G services are scheduled for debuts throughout 2019— something President Trump is very excited about. Yet both networks are susceptible to three types of attacks that "any person with a little knowledge of cellular paging protocols" can perform, one researcher tells TechCrunch.
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First up is Torpedo, an attack that "exploits" network providers' signals that let a phone know a message or call is on its way, TechCrunch describes. Torpedo attacks can be used to track a device's location, send fake messages disguised as Amber Alerts, or completely block messages. Meanwhile, Piercer and IMSI-cracking attacks both let hackers see a device's international mobile subscriber identity, also allowing for location tracking. These kinds of attacks can be conducted on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile phones, showing that the supposedly more security 4G and 5G are "just as vulnerable" as their "3G predecessor," TechCrunch writes.
TechCrunch didn't receive comment responses from any of the networks. Read more at TechCrunch, or read the whole report here.
