It has been more than 6 years since the launch of 5G service, but 2G network is still being used in many parts of the world. Google had given a warning regarding the use of 2G service, in which it has been said that the network which has been phased out in many countries of the world is being used for fraud. 5G services started in India in 2022, but there are still many rural areas where only 2G network is available. If you are also connected to 2G network in the era of 5G, then it can prove to be a threat to you too.
Threat to 2G network security
Google has said in its warning that at present, using 2G network for crores of mobile phone users around the world seems to be the biggest threat to security and privacy. 2G network is being phased out in many countries of the world.
Devices using 2G network are at risk of attack from False Base Station (FBS). For this, users will have to disable 2G network from their smartphone. However, there are many areas of the world where only 2G radio network works. In such a situation, if the device is in roaming, then users who disable 2G network may face connectivity problems.
Devices using 2G network are always at risk of FBS and Stingrays attack. Hackers can target your smartphone using outdated devices of network service provider and send fake SMS. This type of attack is also called SMS blasters. In this, the user’s connection gets downgraded to 2G network. During this, hackers can also empty your bank account by accessing your device.
Take these precautions
4G or 5G network is available in 95 percent of the country, but there are still 5 percent areas where only 2G network is accessed. There is no option to disable 2G network in any Android smartphone available in India.
Users have to go to the settings of their smartphone and select 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto) or 4G/3G/2G (Auto) as the preferred mobile network. However, this setting is by default in your smartphone. Users should never select 2G Only for mobile network. Also, users should not access the Internet in areas with 2G network. Doing this can reduce the risk of cyber attack.
