Security flaw found in 2G mobile data encryption standard

Cybersecurity researchers in Europe say they have discovered a flaw in an encryption algorithm used by cellphones that may have allowed attackers to eavesdrop on some data traffic for more than two decades. In a paper published Wednesday, researchers from Germany, France and Norway said the flaw affects the GPRS – or 2G – mobile data standard.

While most phones now use 4G or even 5G standards, GPRS remains a fallback for data connections in some countries.