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Active 4G LTE vulnerability allows hackers to eavesdrop on conversations, read texts, and track your smartphone location | Privacy Online News

https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2016/10/active-4g-lte-vulnerability-allows-hackers-police-eavesdrop-conversations-read-texts-track-smartphone-location/

october 2016 ‧ IFTTT Pocket reddit technology imported ‧ open in karakeep

by Caleb Chen ‧ PIA ‧ published 2016.10.24 ‧ saved copy from 2026.03.02

From Reddit saved post — r/technology, u/valarmorghulizzz, Oct 24 2016 https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/59455i/active_4g_lte_vulnerability_allows_hackers_to/

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A researcher from Qihoo 360 demonstrated a critical vulnerability in 4G LTE networks that allows attackers to intercept calls, read texts, and track smartphone locations by forcing devices to downgrade to less secure 3G or 2G connections. This flaw exploits a fail-safe meant for emergencies and has existed since 2006 without being fixed, possibly due to its use in law enforcement surveillance like stingray devices. The attack is effective globally on LTE networks using readily available equipment, and protection can be improved by using VPNs with strong encryption like OpenVPN. Despite being known for years, there are currently no plans to patch this vulnerability.

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Zhang Wanqiao, a Chinese researcher from Qihoo 360 has demonstrated an active 4G LTE vulnerability that allows any dedicated attacker to intercept your

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