cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/36145028
A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing human rights in digital spaces across West Asia and North Africa — is warning that Israeli-linked software secretly embedded in Samsung phones across the MENA region poses a serious surveillance threat.
According to SMEX, Samsung’s A and M series devices either come preloaded with the app “Aura” or install it automatically through system updates, without the user’s consent. The application reportedly collects a wide range of personal and device-specific data, including IP addresses, device fingerprints, hardware details, and network information.
In 2022, Samsung MENA partnered with Israeli tech company IronSource, integrating its Aura software into Galaxy A and M series phones across the region. The partnership was publicly marketed as a way to “enhance user experience” with AI-powered apps and content suggestions.
They would likely be detected by modern airport security if they put in actual explosives.
All battery powered devices go through the scanner separately.
Yes, i mentioned in my comment how they’d be easier to detect.
The israeli pager/walkie-talkie attack’s tampered equipments (filled with explosives) completely bypassed airport security…
Actually that is true. So you are right they probably could easily rig phones.