GSM encryption algorithim broken

Paulthagerous

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Topic # 55337 30-Dec-2009 17:31
Was just reading this on gsmarena.com: http://www.gsmarena.com/the_gsm_encryption_algorithm_was_broken-news-1347.php Now, I'm not worried as I doubt anyone wold spend 30k in foreign currency to listen in on me, but am curious as to whether NZ carriers use the broken A5/1 or the 'much more secure' A5/3. Obviously going the traditional way has got no answers, so was hoping the wise GZers could enlighten me. PS: I think this is in the right forum. Feel free to move it if you like moderators :)

BDFL
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Reply # 286112 30-Dec-2009 17:44
This is used for GSM communications, while 3G (WCDMA) uses the new standard. Mauricio Freitas (Geekzone Admin, Devil's Advocate, my blog, technology disclosure, my tweets, Web Performance Optimization) Geekzone Price comparison \| Amazon Kindle order page \| How to get the best out of Geekzone \| New Zealand IT Jobs \| Geekzone News \| Jinglebugs

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Reply # 286117 30-Dec-2009 17:51
freitasm: This is used for GSM communications, while 3G (WCDMA) uses the new standard. So Telecom XT and Voda3G are fine, but does that mean 2degrees and Voda2G are at risk? This may be a concern for all the paranoid people out there. Especially if the mainstream media get hold of it and blow it out of proportion.

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Biddle Corp

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Reply # 286169 30-Dec-2009 22:01
There is a single GSM carrier in France that uses A5/3. Every other GSM deployment in the world uses A5/1 or A5/2. UMTS uses a modified A5/3 cipher called KASUMI but there is some speculation that may not be as secure as first thought. *Need help configuring your Linksys ATA or IP Phones for New Zealand? Check my blog post

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Reply # 292066 22-Jan-2010 03:32
beware! as you are wrong, it won't cost 30 grand (of non NZ banana currency) if you drop the real time requirement. Will cost me only a few grand! mwhaha... I'm watching on you all! ;) just kidding, but somebody else might be... Who I am: multi time Ironman finisher, University of Auckland graduate, Freelancer (mainly focused on website development, message me for work). twitter.com/TersoIT

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Reply # 292161 22-Jan-2010 12:52
Just start talking in code to your dealer!