TECH NEWS – Android’s latest update introduces a new safeguard designed to combat cyber threats and protect user privacy.

As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, hackers are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities to gain access to user data. One major concern is the risk of smartphones connecting automatically to open mobile networks, which are not always secure. These connections can expose sensitive personal information, such as user location or identifying data, without the owner’s knowledge.

Google is addressing this issue with a groundbreaking new feature in Android 16, which notifies users if they are potentially being tracked or targeted by suspicious mobile towers. This early warning system is intended to give users a better chance to take action before their data is compromised. However, Android Authority reports that this feature may not be available on current hardware, meaning we’re unlikely to see it until the arrival of next-gen Android devices. The upcoming Pixel 10 is expected to be the first phone to include this heightened security capability.

To trick smartphones into connecting, attackers deploy cell site simulators that mimic legitimate cell towers. Once connected, these simulators can intercept sensitive data. Android 16’s enhanced protection includes a network notification feature that alerts users any time a network attempts to access their device’s unique identifier—provided the device supports the necessary hardware.

Additionally, users will benefit from 2G blocking, a safeguard that prevents connections to older, more vulnerable network technologies known to be susceptible to eavesdropping. Protection against network-level threats adds another vital layer of security, especially given how difficult such attacks are to detect.

Source: WCCFTech, Android Authority