Google Fi (virtual operator)

Google Fi (formerly Project Fi) is a virtual operator of Google. The service allows you to make voice calls, send SMS messages and use the mobile Internet in cellular or WiFi networks (depending on the signal quality). Google Fi operates in Russia, but only in roaming, so service prices are high. For example, by the end of November 2018, 1 GB of traffic costs $10 (about 670 rubles), and a minute of conversation without using Wi-Fi - $0.2 (134 rubles).

2023: Customer data breach sparks wave of SIM swapping attacks around the world

At the end of January 2023, Google warned users of its Fi service, which provides virtual mobile operator services, that their personal data could be in the hands of cybercriminals.

According to the results of the preliminary investigation, the attackers attacked the infrastructure of the T-Mobile operator, which supports Google Fi. It is said that attackers could access limited customer information through a compromised system that includes phone numbers, SIM serial numbers, account status and mobile plan data. It is emphasized that the stolen information does not contain full usernames, email addresses, payment card data, state identifiers, passwords or pin codes.

Google Fi customer data breach sparks wave of SIM spoofing attacks around the world

Our Incident Response Team investigated and determined that unauthorized access to data was made through the cellular provider's infrastructure. Google's systems were not affected, the notice said.

The disclosed technical data allowed attackers to carry out SIM spoofing attacks on some Google Fi clients. These attacks are carried out using social engineering methods, when an attacker impersonates a client and for some reason requests that the number be transferred to a new device. To convince the mobile operator that he is a subscriber, the fraudster provides personal information stolen during the hacking of a particular computer infrastructure. One of the victims of this cybercriminal scheme reported that hackers gained access to the Authy account. Another victim said that cybercriminals took possession of his email and financial accounts.^[1]

2018: iPhone support

In late November 2018, Google announced it was renaming its virtual operator. Instead of Project Fi, the service began to be called Google Fi. In addition, the list of devices that support MVNO has been significantly expanded. Among them appeared iPhone.

Initially, Project Fi was only compatible with Nexus smartphones. In May 2018, it announced support for several Android from major manufacturers, including Motorola and LG. At the end of November, this list was significantly expanded to include products from Samsung, Sony, HTC, OnePlus and Apple.

Google Fi for iOS

True, full functionality is available only on "official Fi-friendly phones." In Android smartphones and iPhones, automatic switching between various cellular networks is not available. In addition, Google Fi for iOS lacks a number of other key features, such as visual voicemail, calls and text correspondence over Wi-Fi, automatic spam detection, using the phone as an access point outside the United States, and family accounts.

To work with Google Fi, Android smartphones must have an operating system version of at least 7.0 and support LTE Band 2 and 4 frequency bands, and the iPhone must run on iOS 11 or later versions of the platform. The Google Fi app for iOS is available for download, but it is offered in beta.^[2]

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