However, according to many practical studies and sharing from technology experts, the 2G network is increasingly revealing many weaknesses that make users vulnerable to cyber attacks, tracking, collection of personal information and fraudulent behavior.
Vulnerable to attack if still using 2G network
Many surveys have shown that 2G networks use weaker encryption than more advanced mobile network versions. This weak encryption makes information sent over 2G networks vulnerable to decryption and theft by attackers using complex encryption techniques. For example, 2G network users can be attacked by attackers using “IMSI Catching” techniques to obtain information about the device and user or “Call Interception” techniques to eavesdrop on calls and messages. This can lead to the disclosure of personal information and data such as call/message content/location of users and be used by attackers for malicious purposes.
According to experts, 2G networks are often easily exploited to spread spam messages and carry out fraudulent activities such as bank account scam messages or other scams. In particular, attackers can impersonate phone numbers to make fake calls and scam users. This can lead to users disclosing personal information or performing unwanted actions.
2G network is not as "safe" as many people think
One of the scams that has been rampant among mobile phone users in Vietnam that has been discovered recently is the use of fake BTS stations to spread scam messages. Up to now, authorities have discovered dozens of scams in this form. In many cases, the subjects were caught red-handed while using fake BTS stations to spread messages. According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, the fake BTS devices spread signals that overlap the waves of network operators, at which time mobile subscribers connect to these fake BTS stations without going through the network operators. In particular, fake devices can send thousands of messages in 1 minute. The content of spam messages often includes scam links, malicious games, impersonating bank websites to scam, etc.
The reason for this situation is due to the security hole of the 2G network. This mobile network only requires authentication of the phone user but does not require the user to authenticate the network operator. Currently, there is no solution to completely overcome this problem in the world. Authorities also admit that preventing this situation is not really effective, the subjects continue to repeat the use of fake transceiver stations to impersonate financial institutions and banks to defraud users.
Can I let my child use a 4G phone for calling only?
Nowadays, many families only let their children use "brick" phones with the reason of controlling their children's phone usage, isolating them from the online world will help children to be less negligent in their studies, however, with the above risks, parents are unintentionally turning their children into the most vulnerable target for phishing attacks. Managing children's use of 2G phones can be beneficial in some situations, but it is necessary to carefully consider factors related to security, features and access restrictions. Besides, 2G phones often have fewer features than smartphones. If you want your children to be able to use educational applications or need access to the internet for research, then 2G phones can be limited in this case.
To solve the above problem, domestic carriers such as Viettel Telecom have launched 4G phones with the same functions as 2G "brick" phones with prices starting from only 290,000 VND along with preferential policies for subscribers to switch.
Viettel Telecom said that customers using 2G when switching to 4G Smartphone will also be given 28GB of data to use on 4G infrastructure for 28 days, and also given 12 months of free service use on TV360 (basic package).
These phones are capable of connecting to the 4G network but only have the ability to make and receive calls, like traditional basic mobile phones. This meets the needs of users who only want to make calls and are not interested in other advanced features such as web browsers, mobile applications, or the ability to play videos. The products are not only cheap at only a few hundred thousand VND, but also have many promotions from network operators under the program to eliminate 2G phones in Vietnam. This may be the most reasonable addition for parents who do not want their children to use smartphones but at the same time still ensure the most safety for their children, minimizing the risk of being attacked and scammed due to the weaknesses of the 2G network./.
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