This is a nice video if you want to know how insecure your cell phones really are, and why people like me don't use them much at all, especially not for anything important. It has a history of the phone network and goes into the main event at 12:13.

Attackers just need your cell #

I love both these channels, always learn something... And I'm going to use this one to try and wake up some more people who are in the rut of- 'well, they wouldn't let a product out there that's bad for you.' it's not a bug, IT'S A FEATURE.

Thanks for this.

Back in the 90's when I was working on SS7/C7 systems, this was so much worse. It took very little other than a point code and a Dialogic card to get going. I've been out of this field for a few decades, and I just assumed it had gotten a lot better. It's truly scary that it's still this vulnerable.

CONTROL...that is the bottom line. It reminds me of the ability to disable cars...again...CONTROL...great video...

Nice vid!

LLM summary for anyone interested:

The provided text is a transcript of a YouTube video from the channel Veritasium, discussing the security vulnerabilities in the SS7 signaling protocol used in mobile phone networks. Here's a summary of the main points:

• The SS7 protocol has been vulnerable to attacks since its inception in the 1980s.
• Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to intercept calls and texts, as well as track users' locations.
• The problem is not limited to individual devices but affects the entire mobile network infrastructure.
• Many auto manufacturers are using 2G and 3G SIM cards with SS7 protocol for emergency call buttons in vehicles, making them vulnerable to attacks.
• Despite the availability of more secure protocols like 5G signaling, many networks still use SS7 due to inertia and the need for compatibility with older systems.
• It may take another 10-20 years for SS7 networks to be switched off completely.

To protect themselves, individuals can:

• Use alternatives to SMS-based two-factor authentication
• Utilize encrypted internet-based calling services like Signal or WhatsApp
• Be aware of the potential risks and limitations of their mobile phone security