GSM Voice Call Encryption Cracked in all the world
The current encryption algorithm for voice calls made over GSM networks has been cracked by a team of 24 hackers led by encryption specialist Karsten Nohl during the Chaos Communication Congress being held this week in Berlin.
The A5/1 algorithm is a 21 year old 64-bit algorithm used in the encryption of voice calls originating over GSM networks, with Nohl turning the raw binary output into a 2 terabyte “code book” that would allow for the decoding of a valid encryption key.
For its part, the GSM Association is not pleased with the recent development, claiming that cracking the algorithm is illegal in the US and Great Britain, where the trade group is based and has begun its own saber rattling and PR triage with assurances that the disclosure of an encryption key does not mean that calls are unprotected, further stating that carriers can modify the current algorithm to increase security.
The GSM Association has a newer, more robust encryption algorithm available in A5/3 for GSM networks with plans in place to transition away from A5/1 as carriers seek to increase network security.
