In its most recent Android 14 upgrade, Google has added additional cellular connectivity options. Users of Android 14 have the option to disable 2G and null cipher cellular access.
Android 14 offers advanced cellular connectivity security features
Since 4G connectivity is already the norm, it is well known that India’s smartphone and telecom industries are quickly adopting 5G. In an effort to save money and resources, the majority of telecom service providers are starting to discontinue their 2G services. When 2G is the only network accessible, the majority of older and less expensive phones can still connect to it. You wouldn’t believe how frequently it occurs in tier-3 areas in India.
Hacking tools like False Base Station (FBS), International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI) Catcher, or Stingray can be used by con artists to leverage any device’s connectivity to 2G due to the hazy security and ability to downgrade it to that level.
In order to protect their staff from interception, man-in-the-middle attacks, and other 2G-based threats, IT administrators can either disable 2G radio on all Android devices connected to their network or make sure those devices are secured. Protecting intellectual property and sensitive data will be made easier for high-security businesses employing smartphones and tablets as work tools.
Google included a setting to Android 14 that allows users to disable null-ciphered connections at the smartphone’s modem level. Once more, users will need a device that complies with Radio HAL 1.6 or newer in order to utilise this capability. Users’ voice and SMS traffic will be shielded from perilous factors once it is turned on.
