Getting a stranger's phone kicked off the cellular network costs a few dollars
Researchers have discovered that it is inexpensive and easy to remotely disable a stranger's cellular device by reporting it as lost or stolen. The vulnerability exists due to flaws in how carriers verify ownership and share block lists across the industry.
Why it matters
This security flaw exposes a significant risk to consumer privacy and device utility, highlighting systemic weaknesses in telecommunications infrastructure.
Getting a stranger’s phone kicked off the cellular network costs a few dollars Researchers at Michigan State University and three partner schools bought a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, copied the identification number printed on the sealed box, and reported the phone to its carrier as lost. Then they opened the box and set the phone up the way a launch-day buyer would. It would not connect. The phone was new, unopened, and sitting on a lab bench the entire time.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in