DQ5 replies

Question 1.

Original question, NOT to be answered (for reference only)

Describe the parallels between attacks that occur against a typical PC connected to the internet and a smart device using a cellular network to gain access to the internet.

Please reply to responses related to question

A. Willie Hatfield

It is widely thought that cellular networks are bad and that they can be hacked with ease. However, this is not the case. Cellular networks are still much safer than using a public Wi-Fi. I am pretty sure that every phone out now has at least 4G LTE connections and any data that is transferred through 5G, 4G LTE, and 4G connections are encrypted. In every phone there is a computer chip that has a private key made up of 256 bits. All data that is transferred through the network is coupled with the private key and can only be decoded by the recipient. Even if someone was to intercept the data it would a huge amount of time to run through all possible combinations. Wi-Fi networks are similar if you use an e ncryption such as WPA2. Any skilled hacker can still get in but it will take time for them to do so. But just because they break through your network data security you can still protect your data by using two factor authentication. You could also use a private Wi-Fi connection to help reduce your chances. Pc is also going to be secure when using Windows firewall and antivirus software. With all of that your data is still more secure on a private network when using a PC but mobile networks have come a long way on also keeping your data secure. 

REPLY

B. Sergio Garcia

When it comes to a PC connected to the internet and a smart device using a cellular network I believe that one major issue we run into is the lack of security the mobile device has compared to a PC. We all use mobile devices on a regular basis and not for just calling or looking up an address in the palm of our hand instead of on a PC having to print out a google maps paper with directions on it. Although it has become a real convenience to be able to do those things on the go it can also cause some major downfalls due to the lack of security that mobile devices have. While a PC can provide firewalls and encryption mobile devices just aren't at that level yet especially without having a regular updated operating system. With social media also being a huge factor with mobile devices those apps can lead to privacy information being attacked as well. Although if the right precautions are not used with a PC the same issue can happen. Its completely the users responsibility to take action to protect themselves and their devices regularly in order to prevent attacks.

C. Marcelino Del Bosque

Smart devices using a cellular network are very secure. 5G, 4G, and 4G LTE networks connect to the internet through a mobile network provider rather than an ISP. If you are in range of the mobile carrier’s coverage area than you can secure a connection though nearest cell tower. This tower will send information packets through a fiber optic cable network, eventually reaching the server containing the data you are looking for. Data transferred through these 5G, 4G LTE, and 4G connections are encrypted and your identity is authenticated and protected. Most phones have a secure computer chip that contains a private key within the phone’s hardware made up of 256 bits. All data being transmitted through the network is coupled with the private key and can only be decoded by the recipient. If someone was to intercept the information, it would take cybercriminal a huge amount of time to run through all possible combinations. Attempting to connect to a public Wi-Fi connection leaves you vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, fake Wi-Fi connections, packet sniffing, and session hijacking.

QUESTION 2 (to Be answered)

Research an instance when personal privacy has been compromised while using cellular networks. How can this be avoided? Describe a plan to mitigate this risk.

Please reply to responses

A. Sergio

I found that a telecom company called Syniverse which routes text messages of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint customers to other people who are on other networks had a data breach in from 2016 to 2021of released call records, metadata, and text messages of its customers though EDT. This could have been avoided if they had a better plan of breach response specifically the breach wouldn't have lasted amost five years if it was caught ahead of time and the network was secured.

b. Jose Juarez

Here is my discussion question for the second half of week five and it goes like this...

Back in 2019, there was some privacy breaking flaws in 4G/5G mobile protocols that protect us from attackers using skillful methods to infiltrate our cell phones. A presentation that was presented at the “Mobile World Congress” in Barcelona that week demonstrated the attacks that would be a threat to the U.S mobile market. Taking advantage of down time idling to use these attacks by sending a primary method call “ToRPEDO” (aka TRacking via Paging mEssage DistributiOn) by using location of the device and send a fake paging message, denial of services (DoS). The other methods using this functionality is ISMI cracking attack and a “PIERCER” (aka Persistent Information ExposuRe by the CorE network. This type of attack uncovers the individuals ISMI (international mobile subscriber identity number).

c. Eric Hoff

Wired.com reported, The CEO of Amazon Jeff Bezos received a surprise text message through WhatsApp from Mohammed bin Salman on November 8, 2018. Despite exchanging phone numbers over a short dinner in Los Angeles in April, the two had not kept in touch regularly; Bezos had only previously received a video clip from the crown prince in May that purportedly praised Saudi Arabia's economy. A picture of a lady who resembled Lauren Sanchez, with whom Bezos had been having an undocumented affair, was attached to the November text as well.

The publisher of The National Inquirer, American Media Inc., would provide specifics of the incident months later, thus it appears that the message was intended as a tease. But the initial encounter, which occurred in May, is what has sparked this new controversy, which centers on MBS. Investigators now believe that the video clip contained malware. The phone of Bezos had been hacked using the crown prince's own account. Bezos was utilizing the well-known program WhatsApp in this circumstance. I have heard stories over a lengthy period of time regarding this application's users being hacked. Refusing to use this application is one approach to avoid being hacked in this manner.