Android 16 will protect users from fake cell towers and potential spying threats

It turns out that your smartphone could be a neglected vulnerability that endangers you to be followed. To fight against this, Google deploys a new safety feature in Android 16 This will warn users if their device uses a false or unsafe mobile network or if this network requires identifying information on a connected device.

However, these features will probably not be available before the next generation of Android devices, as indicated for the first time by Android authority. Since current Android devices do not have the equipment to support these features, the first compatible Android device that we could see with this technology can be the Pixel 10 This should make his debut later this summer.

This feature is designed to counter the simulators of cellular sites or devices that act as a cell tower and encourage devices nearby to connect to it. Once connected, these simulators can glean sensitive information, such as the location of a smartphone. These simulators of cellular sites are better known by their commercial nickname, Stingray, and have been would have been used by agencies such as American immigration and customs application, as well as customs and border protection.

The next security features are deployed as part of the Last Android OS updatewhich was published earlier this month. Compatible devices will have the possibility of switching or deactivating “network notifications”, which will warn you if your device connects to a non -encrypted network or when the connected network requires unique identifiers on your phone. In addition to this, there is another option that allows you to activate “2G network protection” to avoid the type of less secure mobile network.