Comments on: GSM Encryption Cracked: Know Your Risks

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:56:44 +0000

Is 3G safer? Does it use better encryption than the edge network? I thought AT&T was going to use 2G for more voice calls due to the strain on their data network. When you are talking to someone on the voice network how can you tell what AT&T is using to carry the voice call?

By: Bugs

Bugs — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:57:33 +0000

Still shocking that nobody points out it’s a federal offense to posses this. Federal ten years in prison seems fun.

By: NetMage

NetMage — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:35:15 +0000

Someone should check AT&T’s 3G map again.

By: Lordzod01

Lordzod01 — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:37:26 +0000

Next time I plan a bank robbery, I’m not using my phone. Back to sending out written invites LOL.

By: sting7k

sting7k — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:22:12 +0000

AT&T has been using only 3G SIM cards for several years now.

By: Falsesaint

Falsesaint — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:11:02 +0000

Dirk, Stupid question. How do I tell how old my sim card is?

By: fastlane

fastlane — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:33:20 +0000

Well, it’s about time someone listens to me!

By: Dirk

Dirk — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:19:08 +0000

I want to emphasize darwin’s point here: 3g sim cards (the USIM application) use a completely different cryptography than 2g SIM cards. This hasn’t been cracked. So only if you’re using an old SIM (more than 3-5 years old) are you at risk. Check your SIM and if you don’t have a USIM ask your operator to replace it. In most cases they’ll send you a new one for free.

By: Kick Butt Applications

Kick Butt Applications — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:02:31 +0000

I would have to agree with Icebike... for the most part!

For most of us, there really is no risk. Unless we are a well known person, who is going to go to all the trouble and expense to listen to something that is of no benefit to them. Sounds like a lot of hype to me.

My one word of caution is this. Anytime you express an opinion or say anything by ANY electronic means (cell, email, facebook, text etc...) consider that one day anyone will be able to read it. This makes good business/personal sense.

It something is sensitive in nature, do it in person or don't do it at all!

Kick Butt

By: Icebike

Icebike — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:43:31 +0000

Gibson = self promoting fear monger, and, it would appear, functionally "hard of speaking".

I'm thinking there is a lot less risk here than meets the eye.

By: Darwin Smith

Darwin Smith — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:42:25 +0000

Considering many people in any major metro area are using 3G I don't see this being as big an issue as it's being made out to be. GSM and 3G GSM like UMTS/WCDMA are completely different animals and thus are not subject to the same vulnerabilities.

In order for this vulnerability to work they would have to ensure that all of the conversations they are listening to are occurring on the legacy 2G GSM network and fortunately most places in the US with any significant population have 3G now.

By: Umm

Umm — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:57:36 +0000

Hope this leads everyone to switch to 4g lte networks. I heard the lte network could outperform wifi.