Android is the first mobile operating system to introduce advanced cellular security mitigations for both consumers and enterprises. Android 14 introduces support for IT administrators to disable 2G support in their managed device fleet. Android 14 also introduces a feature that disables support for null-ciphered cellular connectivity.
2G is not terribly secure, so being able to disable it is a welcome move.
2G is the easiest way to hack cellphone communications.
You’d jam all other band, plant a rogue 2G tower (possibly in a surveillance wan in the street), and start collecting all the data, in plain text.
StingRays were popular back in the day, but I am sure there are more alternatives at this point.
And for those interested, all the different ways 2G signals can be intercepted: https://github.com/W00t3k/Awesome-Cellular-Hacking
Does it matter though when the government, its agencies and cellular operator all have direct access to your voice, messages and location?
If you care about privacy you don’t use a smartphone with an active SIM card, period.
Artem S. Tashkinov,
Yes, there is a difference.
If there was none, why would the police buy these stingray devices, or hacking services?
To get the data faster without a court order.