Security team discovers secret USSD command that completely wipes Samsung devices in under three seconds A security research team at the Ekoparty Security Conference has demonstrated a single line of USSD code that can be used to completely reset a Samsung S III handset and ‘kill’ the owners SIM card in under three seconds. Security expert Ravi Borgaonkar demonstrated the line of code, and how it can be sent from a website, pushed to the handset by NFC, or triggered by a QR code. It then performs a complete wipe of the handset, resetting it to factory condition. Once the line of code is pushed to the Samsung S III there is no way to stop the reset from taking place. There is no warning given to the user, and no means of stopping it.See also: Samsung S III versus iPhone review The USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) code is a protocol used by GSM telephones to communicate with the service provider’s computers for configuring the phone. The security team has also shown a USSD code that can be used to wipe the SIM card from the Samsung S III leaving the user with a very expensive plastic brick for a handset. It’s not just the Samsung S III that is affected, the code also wipes the Galaxy Beam, S Advance, Galaxy Ace and Galaxy S II. Although it does not wipe the Galaxy Nexus tablet. Samsung has not responded to the discovery, although owners will be hoping they fix this security leak quickly. In the meantime Samsung S III owners should be careful which links they follow (especially in social networks such as Twitter and Facebook), and be sure not to scan any QR codes that they don’t trust. Here is a video demonstration of just how quick it is to wipe all the data on the Samsung S III. Related content news UK government plans 2,500 new tech recruits by 2025 with focus on cybersecurity New apprenticeships and talent programmes will support recruitment for in-demand roles such as cybersecurity technologists and software developers By Michael Hill Sep 29, 2023 4 mins Education Industry Education Industry Education Industry news UK data regulator orders end to spreadsheet FOI requests after serious data breaches The Information Commissioner’s Office says alternative approaches should be used to publish freedom of information data to mitigate risks to personal information By Michael Hill Sep 29, 2023 3 mins Government Cybercrime Data and Information Security feature Cybersecurity startups to watch for in 2023 These startups are jumping in where most established security vendors have yet to go. By CSO Staff Sep 29, 2023 19 mins CSO and CISO Security news analysis Companies are already feeling the pressure from upcoming US SEC cyber rules New Securities and Exchange Commission cyber incident reporting rules don't kick in until December, but experts say they highlight the need for greater collaboration between CISOs and the C-suite By Cynthia Brumfield Sep 28, 2023 6 mins Regulation Data Breach Financial Services Industry Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe