Mobile Device Connection Methods 2.5

Question 1

Cellular Networks

Answer 1

Land is separated into cells. Antennas cover cells with certain frequencies. Has security concerns because traffic can be monitored, location tracking, and the entire world essentially has access to a mobile device that is always on and always connected to a cellular network.

Question 2

Wi-Fi

Answer 2

Same security concerns as any wireless device. Man in the middle, encryption, etc.

Question 3

Satellite communications (SATCOM)

Answer 3

Remote locations or natural disaster areas use satellites instead of cellular networks which may not exist or could be out of service. Can talk to satellites both orbiting the earth or geostationary. They use both voice and data comms. Satellites can have the same security concerns as mobile devices.

Question 4

Near Field Communications (NFC)

Answer 4

Two-way communications in close proximity. Payment systems such as google wallet or apple pay. Also used to help paring with Bluetooth. NFC has some small security concerns. Someone would have to be close by (10m) with an antennae to pick up your signal. Signal can be denied or intercepted for a replay attack.

Question 5

ANT/ANT+

Answer 5

Wireless sensor protocol. Uses specifically 2.4 GHz ISM band. (Industrial, Scientific, Medical). Commonly used lately on things like fitness devices, heart rate monitors, etc. It does not fall under 802.11 or Bluetooth. No way to encrypt this.

Question 6

Infared (IR)

Answer 6

Used on many smartphones, smartwatches, tablets. Used for controlling TV’s or entertainment center. Capable of file transfers.

Question 7

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Answer 7

Physical connection via USB port on your computer. Has different proprietary names on your phone. Often easier to exfiltrate data physically.