The upcoming Android 16 release introduces a critical new security feature: Network Notification Warnings
This enhancement is designed to alert users in real time when their mobile devices are exposed to unsafe network behaviours such as:
- A mobile network requests the device’s identifiers (IMSI, IMEI).
- A network attempting to force the device onto an unencrypted connection (often linked to surveillance or interception attacks).
Why This Matters:
- IMSI Catchers: Attackers use rogue base stations to capture device identities, track location, intercept calls, or push malicious updates.
- 2G/3G Downgrades: Some attacks force devices to connect using legacy networks without encryption.
- Privacy and National Security: Telecom surveillance has been used by both cybercriminals and state actors.
What Users Can Do:
- Disable 2G (most devices with Android 14+ allow this).
- Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps (e.g., Signal).
- Stay updated to Android 16 once it is released.
This feature is part of a broader trend of telecom and device-level convergence where OS-level security compensates for legacy weaknesses in mobile network protocols.