Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing SMS Timings

Re:Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing ... by yosito on Wednesday June 14, 2023 @07:49PM (#36334512)

In all seriousness... I've been getting several SMS messages from unknown numbers every day, as well as several 0:02 second empty voicemails every day. I've had my phone number for 17 years, and it's tied to so many things that I don't want to change it. I'm a pretty low value target for someone to be stalking my location with such a sophisticated method. Should I be worried that this is more than just spam?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing ... by EMCymatics on Thursday June 15, 2023 @03:17AM (#36337396)

Just change it.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing ... by yosito on Thursday June 15, 2023 @06:34AM (#36338561)

There are too many (bad) websites that have my number for 2FA, plus my lifelong network of contacts all have that number.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing ... by Caboose8685 on Thursday June 15, 2023 @08:31AM (#36339526)

Consider porting the number to something like Google voice or jmp.chat and get a random number you don't care about for your SIM.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing ... by yosito on Thursday June 15, 2023 @01:57PM (#36344240)

It seems that Google Voice numbers can't be used for some 2FA services.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing ... by Caboose8685 on Friday June 16, 2023 @08:47AM (#36355680)

That's possible, but those services most likely offer another form of 2FA. Getting away from using SMS 2FA everywhere you can is best.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Freaky Leaky SMS: Extracting User Locations by Analyzing ... by yosito on Friday June 16, 2023 @01:39PM (#36360689)

I know, but it's not always under my control.

[ Parent | on HN ]