Android 16 adds a new "network notification" setting that warns you when a rogue "stingray" device is trying to spy on you
There are many simple things you can do to keep your private information safe, like using strong passwords, scrutinizing app permissions, and only installing apps from trusted sources. However, some attacks are much harder to protect yourself against, as they’re so sophisticated and stealthy that they can happen without you ever noticing. One such attack tricks your phone into connecting to a fake, insecure mobile network, which is difficult for the average person to detect. Fortunately, the new Android 16 update has a feature that can warn you when someone is using this tactic to snoop on you.
This type of attack uses a device called a “stingray.” An attacker sets up this device near a target they want to surveil, and it mimics a legitimate cell tower. The stingray tricks nearby mobile devices into connecting to it, allowing the attacker to collect unique identifiers (like the IMEI) and even force them onto an older, more insecure communication protocol. These identifiers allow attackers to target specific devices for analysis, while switching protocols can let them intercept unencrypted text messages and phone calls.
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-mobile-network-security-3571497/
It's worse in Canary this week. When you type something in the address bar and press enter, most cases it defaults to "Ask copilot" that shoves whatever you wrote into copilot. Then you have to retype whatever you wanted and use the down arrow or mouse to select your search engine instead of copilot. Each version that has this behavior(that can't be turned off in settings yet) I'm sending feedback in hoping they don't do this into other channels.
Recommended Posts