How to Fend Off a SIM-card Attack on Your Cell Phone: Kevin Lee, Princeton University

November 09, 2021 00:33:27
How to Fend Off a SIM-card Attack on Your Cell Phone: Kevin Lee, Princeton University
Cookies: Tech Security & Privacy
How to Fend Off a SIM-card Attack on Your Cell Phone: Kevin Lee, Princeton University

Nov 09 2021 | 00:33:27

/

Show Notes

Kevin Lee recently co-wrote a fascinating study about how easy it is for an attacker to gain control of another person’s cell phone. From there, the attacker can use the phone’s multi-factor authentication tool – usually a security code provided over a text message -- to do all kinds of damage, including making unauthorized purchases. As part of the study, his research team managed to fool five wireless carriers, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile, into moving a customer’s account to a different phone’s SIM card without their permission. He’s a doctoral student in computer science at Princeton, affiliated with the Center for Information Technology Policy. 

Other Episodes

Episode 1

August 18, 2020 00:01:57
Episode Cover

Welcome to Cookies: Tech Security & Privacy!

If you've ever felt like your personal technology devices know you a little too well, this podcast is for you. Here's a short introduction...

Listen

Episode 2

October 12, 2021 00:49:20
Episode Cover

Tech Consumers Should Demand Better Security: Ruby Lee, Princeton Uni

As a chief computer architect at Hewlett-Packard in the 1980s, Ruby Lee was a leader in changing the way computers are built, simplifying their...

Listen

Episode 5

November 03, 2021 00:33:39
Episode Cover

The Security Flaws of Online Learning: Mihir Kshirsagar, Princeton University

Are online learning platforms really secure? Mihir Kshirsagar co-wrote a paper that spells out in startling detail everything you’ve wondered about -- but didn’t...

Listen