Smartphone flaw allows hackers and governments to map your home
A newly discovered smartphone vulnerability allows unauthorized tracking and surveillance through GPS data, raising significant privacy concerns as it does not require access to cameras or microphones.
Read original articleA newly discovered vulnerability in smartphones allows hackers and government agencies to potentially map the interior of homes and monitor user activities through GPS data. Researchers Soham Nag and Smruti Sarangi from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have found that this flaw does not require access to a device's camera, microphone, or accelerometer, making it particularly concerning. The ability to extract detailed information from GPS signals raises significant privacy issues, as it could enable unauthorized tracking and surveillance. The implications of this vulnerability suggest that both malicious actors and intelligence agencies might already be exploiting it to gather sensitive information about individuals without their consent.
- A new smartphone vulnerability can reveal detailed floor plans and user activities through GPS data.
- The flaw does not require access to a device's camera or microphone, increasing its potential for misuse.
- Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have highlighted the privacy risks associated with this vulnerability.
- The issue raises concerns about unauthorized tracking by hackers and government agencies.
- There is a possibility that this vulnerability is already being exploited for surveillance purposes.
Related
Why GPS Is Under Attack
The Global Positioning System (GPS) faces threats from jamming and spoofing attacks, affecting commercial flights. American GPS risks obsolescence compared to other systems. Vulnerabilities impact various sectors.
Why GPS Is Under Attack
The Global Positioning System (GPS) faces threats from jamming and spoofing attacks, affecting commercial flights. American GPS risks obsolescence compared to other systems, impacting emergency services and military operations. Other countries have developed more secure alternatives, leaving the U.S. behind in space technology competition.
Firmware Update Hides a Device's Bluetooth Fingerprint
Researchers at UC San Diego created a firmware update to conceal Bluetooth fingerprints, hindering device tracking. The update, presented at a security conference, reduces tracking accuracy, requiring prolonged observation for identification. Industry collaboration is sought.
Data brokers sell our location data and jeopardise national security
A joint investigation uncovers data brokers selling 3.6 billion location data points from Germany, raising national security concerns. Experts question user consent validity under GDPR, urging stricter regulations to safeguard personal data.
Bumble and Hinge allowed stalkers to pinpoint users' locations down to 2 meters
Researchers from KU Leuven found vulnerabilities in dating apps like Bumble and Hinge, allowing stalkers to pinpoint users' locations. Affected apps have since improved their distance filters to enhance user privacy.
Related
Why GPS Is Under Attack
The Global Positioning System (GPS) faces threats from jamming and spoofing attacks, affecting commercial flights. American GPS risks obsolescence compared to other systems. Vulnerabilities impact various sectors.
Why GPS Is Under Attack
The Global Positioning System (GPS) faces threats from jamming and spoofing attacks, affecting commercial flights. American GPS risks obsolescence compared to other systems, impacting emergency services and military operations. Other countries have developed more secure alternatives, leaving the U.S. behind in space technology competition.
Firmware Update Hides a Device's Bluetooth Fingerprint
Researchers at UC San Diego created a firmware update to conceal Bluetooth fingerprints, hindering device tracking. The update, presented at a security conference, reduces tracking accuracy, requiring prolonged observation for identification. Industry collaboration is sought.
Data brokers sell our location data and jeopardise national security
A joint investigation uncovers data brokers selling 3.6 billion location data points from Germany, raising national security concerns. Experts question user consent validity under GDPR, urging stricter regulations to safeguard personal data.
Bumble and Hinge allowed stalkers to pinpoint users' locations down to 2 meters
Researchers from KU Leuven found vulnerabilities in dating apps like Bumble and Hinge, allowing stalkers to pinpoint users' locations. Affected apps have since improved their distance filters to enhance user privacy.