Google Warning: Critical Vulnerability Threatens Your Phone Without Internet or Network

Google has issued a high-risk security warning about a new cyber attack that can directly access smartphones without the need for a mobile network connection.

The warning, described by Google as "serious," comes after advanced techniques were observed being used to breach phones and bypass traditional security systems.

According to a report by PhoneArena, the attack relies on devices known as SMS Blasters, which create a fake connection point that forces the phone to communicate with it without going through the telecommunications companies.

These devices do not even need to know the target phone number; it is enough for the victim to be in a targeted area, often upscale neighborhoods, for the phone to be vulnerable to hacking.

Google emphasized that the primary weakness lies in the continued support of the second-generation (2G) network on most phones, an old network lacking sufficient encryption.

Even in areas where 2G has been deactivated by telecommunications companies, the risk remains as long as network support is still enabled in the phone settings.

To prevent these attacks, Google advises Android 16 users to follow the following steps:

1 _ Go to Settings > Security and Privacy > Advanced Protection.

2 _ Activate Device Protection.

This option prevents connection to 2G networks (except in emergencies), restricts USB connections when the phone is locked, forces the device to restart automatically after 72 hours of being locked, and monitors any suspicious activity indicating an attempted theft.

As for iPhone users, they can activate the "Lockdown Mode" feature provided by Apple to protect users from advanced attacks, although it limits the use of the phone in some daily tasks.

Concerns about these attacks have prompted British authorities to take action, especially after the arrest of a hacker, amid warnings that these methods surpass the traditional protection offered by telecommunications companies against fraudulent messages.

On the other hand, Google is working on integrating advanced security features into its Pixel phones settings, such as fraud detection and automatic identification of suspicious calls during the phone's initial setup.

Meanwhile, Trend Micro has warned of an increase in fraud through text messages pretending to be from well-known companies like Netflix, PayPal, Toyota, and Google itself.

The warning reiterates: "If an offer seems too good to be true, it is likely a scam."

* Spelling or grammatical errors.

* Unjustified requests for sensitive information.

* Mention of prizes or parcels not requested.

Amid the growing threat of digital attacks, Google emphasizes that prevention starts with the user themselves, through system updates, deactivation of outdated technologies, and activation of advanced protection features.