Faced with the spread of SMS Blaster attacks, Google recommends deactivating the 2G connection on your smartphone. The procedure, which has been possible since Android 12, is very simple, and here's how to apply it.
SMS Blaster attacks are clearly on the rise, and that seems to be worrying Google. And for good reason: These attacks allow for the exploitation of flaws in the 2G network to distribute fraudulent SMS messages on a massive scale, delivered directly to victims’ smartphones.
To achieve this, the thugs use portable stations that mimic cellular antennas, and travel by car or on foot, with the device hidden in a backpack, to launch their attacks.
The system, which is capable of forcing smartphones to connect to a 2G network even if newer networks such as 3G, 4G and 5G are available nearby, makes it possible to bypass anti-spam security measures taken by operators.
Read also: Google: To live happily, deactivate 2G
Given the scale of the problem and the increase in this type of attack, especially in France, So Google now recommends deactivating 2G connection. On your Android smartphone. The process, which has been possible since Android 12, will not take more than a few seconds. However, please note that depending on the smartphone you have, the names of the menus may differ. Furthermore, the option to deactivate 2G is not present on devices from some manufacturers, and this is especially the case with Samsung.
1. Go to Network Settings
First go to Settings From your Android smartphone. Then go to Network settings. Depending on your smartphone, the title of the menu in question may change. On a Pixel phone, for example, you'll have to go to Network and Internet.
2. Enter the mobile network settings.
Now go to your mobile network settings. To do this, if you are using a Pixel phone, tap on the gear icon to access the mobile network settings.
3. Turn off 2G
Once you are in the mobile network settings, scroll through all the options displayed. At the bottom of the list, you should find an option Allow 2G.Turn it off.
Your smartphone is now no longer able to connect to 2G networks. The risk of being attacked by SMS Blasters is now limited.
This option, although available in principle since Android 12, is sometimes not available on certain devices. This is the case, for example, on Samsung smartphones. The Korean manufacturer does not seem to offer the option to deactivate 2G on all its devices. The option previously available in some countries (in Settings > communication > Mobile networks), not in France. That wasn't the case with our Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, at the time we wrote these lines.
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