Sim cards vulnerable to attack
Posted by: Timothy Weaver on 07/22/2013 03:34 PM
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A flaw with mobile phones' Sim card technology is putting millions of people at risk of being spied on and robbed, according to a leading security expert.
A special text message was discovered by Karsten Hohl that was found to discover some Sim's digital keys.
He warned criminals could potentially use the technique to listen in on calls or steal cash.
Industry organization - the GSMA - said it was looking into the findings.
"Karsten's early disclosure to the GSMA has given us an opportunity for preliminary analysis," said a spokeswoman for the association, which represents global network operators,
"We have been able to consider the implications and provide guidance to those network operators and Sim vendors that may be impacted.
"It would appear that a minority of Sims produced against older standards could be vulnerable."
Mr Nohl has posted preliminary details of the vulnerability on the website of his company, Berlin-based Security Research Labs.
He warned criminals could potentially use the technique to listen in on calls or steal cash.
Industry organization - the GSMA - said it was looking into the findings.
"Karsten's early disclosure to the GSMA has given us an opportunity for preliminary analysis," said a spokeswoman for the association, which represents global network operators,
"We have been able to consider the implications and provide guidance to those network operators and Sim vendors that may be impacted.
"It would appear that a minority of Sims produced against older standards could be vulnerable."
Mr Nohl has posted preliminary details of the vulnerability on the website of his company, Berlin-based Security Research Labs.
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