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Malicious SIMs can hijack smartphones, steal files, and lock them onto 2G

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vulnerabilities

Malicious SIMs can hijack smartphones, steal files, and lock them onto 2G

Researchers discovered that compromised SIM cards can exploit a built-in cellular specification feature called Proactive SIM to issue commands to smartphones and cellular devices. This capability allows attackers to steal data, disrupt communications, downgrade connections to 2G networks, and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected devices.

Why it matters: Mobile device users and carriers should understand that SIM card compromise creates a direct path to device takeover independent of software vulnerabilities, requiring new threat models for enterprise and consumer deployments.

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