A critical vulnerability allows spying on 3g and 4g networks

It seems that 3G and 4G networks are not as secure as it seems. A critical vulnerability has recently been discovered in them that puts the security of users at risk. A hole has been discovered in the protocol that allows the device to connect to these networks.

Critical vulnerability allows spying on 3G and 4G networks

The specific failure lies in the authentication and validation key with which mobile devices are allowed to communicate with their operator's network. This key is based on a counter that is stored in the operator's telephone system to verify the devices and thus avoid attacks.

Vulnerability in 3G and 4G

Researchers who have found this bug have found that it is not properly protected. So it is possible to partially extract information. This allows an attacker to monitor certain aspects such as recording when phone calls are made or text messages are sent. Or follow in real time the location of the device.

Although, said vulnerability does not allow access to the content of calls or messages. You only have some information about the calls and the location of the device at that moment. So the vulnerability, despite being critical, is not as serious as it could be. Although the main problem is that the researchers do not seem to be able to find a solution.

They consider that it affects the entire protocol. Therefore, they believe that this problem with 3G and 4G networks has no solution. At least for now. So they hope that things will improve with 5G and in this case there are no holes in their protocol that put the security and privacy of users at risk.