Fake Cellular Networks Exploit Old Security Holes to Track Phone Locations

Researchers have found surveillance vendors impersonating mobile carriers to access global phone networks and track user locations. By spoofing legitimate providers—including Israeli and British operators—they exploit decades-old signaling protocols (SS7 and Diameter) that lack proper authentication. Newer 4G and 5G networks remain vulnerable when carriers skip security updates. **Analysis:** The telecom industry's focus on operational efficiency over security modernization has left critical infrastructure exposed for years.