O2 data breach potentially shares your cellphone number with the world
There’s an alarming rumor circulating that suggests that UK network O2 forwards your phone number to any website visited on a smartphone. Lewis Peckover built a site that displays the header data sent to sites you visit, finding a network-specific field called “x-up-calling-line-id” which displayed his number. Angry users who tested the site have flooded the company’s official Twitter, which is currently responding with:
“Security is our top most priority, we’re investigating this at the moment & will come back with more info as soon as we can.”
The Next Web confirmed that Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone numbers are unaffected by the issue, but GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile (both MVNOs that operate on the same network) do. TNW’s sources say it’s most likely an internal testing setup, while Mr. Peckover suggests it’s because the network transparently proxies HTTP traffic, using the number as a UID.
Update: Most information technology companies received confirmation from O2, who said that it was “investigating with internal teams and it’s our top priority.” Slashgear and Think Broadband were unable to replicate the problem, but in my tests (pictured) it was sharing my data with the site. To test your own device visit Lewis Peckover via your mobile.
Shaun is a man with a background in joinery, music, administration, management, web development and technologies. A devoted friend and father to his wonderful daughter, he is also a family man. He likes to create and produce things which has led him into a stronger, more passionate pursuit of development.
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