Google's Pixel Phones Vulnerable to Cellebrite Phone Hacking, But Not All Models Are Created Equal
A recent leak has revealed that Google's Pixel phones are vulnerable to phone hacking using Cellebrite devices. The leak was obtained by an anonymous individual who accessed a Cellebrite briefing and shared the information on the GrapheneOS forums.
According to the leaked data, Cellebrite can extract data from most Pixel phones, unless they're running GrapheneOS, which is an Android-based operating system that offers enhanced security features. The leak reveals that the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series are vulnerable to phone hacking in certain states, including before first unlock (BFU), after first unlock (AFU), and unlocked.
However, for those running GrapheneOS, police will have a much harder time accessing data. The leaked table shows that devices running updated builds of GrapheneOS, even when fully unlocked, are immune to having their data copied by Cellebrite. This is because the phones are not running software from before late 2022.
The leak has raised concerns about the security of Google's Pixel OS and why a custom ROM created by a small non-profit is more resistant to industrial phone hacking than the official Pixel OS. It remains to be seen how Google will address these vulnerabilities, but it's clear that Cellebrite's technology can exploit certain weaknesses in the phones.
It's worth noting that the Pixel 10 series was excluded from the leak, which may suggest that Google is trying to improve the security of its newer devices. However, this exclusion also raises questions about why the company didn't include the Pixel 10 series in the initial list.
The leaked data highlights the importance of using secure operating systems like GrapheneOS and keeping software up-to-date to protect against phone hacking. It also underscores the need for Google to prioritize security and transparency when it comes to its Pixel phones.
A recent leak has revealed that Google's Pixel phones are vulnerable to phone hacking using Cellebrite devices. The leak was obtained by an anonymous individual who accessed a Cellebrite briefing and shared the information on the GrapheneOS forums.
According to the leaked data, Cellebrite can extract data from most Pixel phones, unless they're running GrapheneOS, which is an Android-based operating system that offers enhanced security features. The leak reveals that the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series are vulnerable to phone hacking in certain states, including before first unlock (BFU), after first unlock (AFU), and unlocked.
However, for those running GrapheneOS, police will have a much harder time accessing data. The leaked table shows that devices running updated builds of GrapheneOS, even when fully unlocked, are immune to having their data copied by Cellebrite. This is because the phones are not running software from before late 2022.
The leak has raised concerns about the security of Google's Pixel OS and why a custom ROM created by a small non-profit is more resistant to industrial phone hacking than the official Pixel OS. It remains to be seen how Google will address these vulnerabilities, but it's clear that Cellebrite's technology can exploit certain weaknesses in the phones.
It's worth noting that the Pixel 10 series was excluded from the leak, which may suggest that Google is trying to improve the security of its newer devices. However, this exclusion also raises questions about why the company didn't include the Pixel 10 series in the initial list.
The leaked data highlights the importance of using secure operating systems like GrapheneOS and keeping software up-to-date to protect against phone hacking. It also underscores the need for Google to prioritize security and transparency when it comes to its Pixel phones.
... I was just thinking about getting a new phone and now I'm scared all over again 
. Like, what if someone can hack into my personal info? It's crazy that Google's own OS has these vulnerabilities 
. I mean, I use GrapheneOS on my Pixel 6 and it feels so much safer 
. I just hope they fix this ASAP or at least give us more updates about when we can expect some security patches 
. This whole thing is really making me anxious 
.
I'm shocked by this revelation, but not surprised tbh. I mean, we all know that our phones are basically a treasure trove of personal info, so it's like, expected that someone would try to hack into them 
. But seriously, the fact that Google's Pixel OS can be vulnerable to phone hacking is pretty concerning. I think it's great that GrapheneOS is offering enhanced security features, though! 
It just goes to show that even with the latest tech, we need to stay vigilant and keep our software up-to-date 
. Can't wait to see what they do about this 
.
... it was so secure back then! Now we got these new phones like Pixel and Cellebrite can just hack into 'em? 
It's crazy how things have changed. I mean, GrapheneOS is the way to go if you want your data safe, but why didn't Google include the Pixel 10 series in the leak? 
. Those were the days when we had to be careful about our passwords, now it's like our phones are just sitting ducks 
...
... but seriously, this is some crazy stuff about Google's Pixel phones being vulnerable to phone hacking. I'm all for innovation and progress, but you'd think a major player like Google would be on top of security issues, especially when it comes to their own devices. It's wild that Cellebrite can exploit certain weaknesses in the phones, especially since GrapheneOS seems to be the only way to avoid this. I'm glad I upgraded from my old 3310 to a Pixel 6 before this came out though 
... but now I've got to wonder if I should be using a custom ROM like GrapheneOS just for extra peace of mind 
Whatever the reason, I'm just glad we've got some intel on this. Now we can be prepared and stay safe online. 
. It's crazy that these phones were hacked even when fully unlocked and running updated software. I mean, who would've thought? 
.
. but on the other hand, there's also this amazing example of a custom ROM like GrapheneOS that's able to keep up with the latest security features. it just makes you wonder... what else are we not seeing? 
. I'm all for Google beefing up security, but it seems like they still have some work to do 
like, grapheneos is way more secure than pixel os, and it's not even an official thing from google. it's just a custom rom that someone created to make their phones safer.
. at the same time, i gotta give props to grapheneos, it's like they're doing something right 
. how come google didn't include the pixel 10 series in the leak tho? are they trying to cover something up?