Encryption on GSM / 3G

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ash3rr

55 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#36869 2-Jul-2009 21:05

Hello,

I'm doing a dissertation on Mobile Phone Security through my post-graduate studies at Otago looking at it from several different viewpoints, device, network, etc... I'm hoping my question isn't too techy for you guys...

As far as GSM technology goes, what I've learnt so far is that the encryption mechanisims for GSM were broken quite some years ago. What I have not yet discovered and I'm hoping some one can point me in the right direction ... Have there been changes in the encryption algorithms in 3G imlpementations?

I'm hoping I'm in the right audience here and that someone can give me some pointers!

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#230431 2-Jul-2009 21:06

2G A8

3G A5/A3

John

Objectivism

23 posts

Geek

#230440 2-Jul-2009 21:13

My understanding was that the 2G encryption was only broken in a controlled (lab) environment and there has never been a known incident of a live conversation being intercepted in a real world scenario. That there is no equipment that could do this.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#230444 2-Jul-2009 21:20

Objectivism: My understanding was that the 2G encryption was only broken in a controlled (lab) environment and there has never been a known incident of a live conversation being intercepted in a real world scenario. That there is no equipment that could do this.

Correct