SS7 hack explained: what can you do about it?

A vulnerability means hackers can read texts, listen to calls and track mobile phone users. What are the implications and how can you protect yourself from snooping?

Hackers can read text messages, listen to phone calls and track mobile phone users' locations with just the knowledge of their phone number using a vulnerability in the worldwide mobile phone network infrastructure.

The exploit centres on a global system that connects mobile phone networks, and can give hackers, governments or anyone else with access to it remote surveillance powers that the user cannot do anything about.