Is there end-to-end voice encryption in GSM ? If not, is voice communication between mobile handset and mobile base station, at least encrypted ? What keys are used there and which alogrithms ? any idea?
+3
A:
Is there end-to-end voice encryption in GSM ?
No.
If not, is voice communication between mobile handset and mobile base station, at least encrypted ?Yes. Read this.
What keys are used there and which alogrithms ?
A3, A5 and A8 (mostly COMP128).
jweyrich
2010-06-06 05:05:40
I don't think this is the case. If there was end-to-end encryption, the authorities couldn't wiretap you. But they can. Base station to handset encryption, yes. Handset-to-handset; no.
jrockway
2010-06-06 05:13:36
The encryption in GSM is not end-to-end; it is between the handset and the base station only.
caf
2010-06-06 05:22:31
Sorry, I fixed my answer. It's not end-to-end, really, only between handset and BTS.
jweyrich
2010-06-06 05:26:22
+1
A:
Just to add, the encryption algorithms are different for 3G and 2G - not sure if you meant to be 2G specific in your question.
Again, for 3G the encryption is between the handset and the base station (or RNC - Radio Network Controller in 3G).
Note also that both 2G and 3G encryption have reportedly been cracked now:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/15/3g-gsm-encryption-cracked-in-less-than-two-hours/
Mick
2010-06-11 14:21:03
A:
TimeZlicer
2010-08-03 08:48:12