Security expert puts guide to cracking GSM phone code on line, says aim is improving security
By APWednesday, December 30, 2009
Security expert posts guide to cracking phone code
FRANKFURT — A German security expert has raised the ire of the wireless industry after he and group of researchers posted a how-to guide for cracking the encryption that keeps the phone calls of millions of people secret.
Karsten Nohl, 28, tells The Associated Press the purpose of showing how to crack GSM encryption was to press companies to improve security. GSM encoding keeps most of the world’s mobile phones safe from prying ears.
“The goal is better security,” Nohl said.
That’s not sitting well with the GSM Association, a trade group that represents nearly 800 wireless operators. Claire Cranton, a spokeswoman for the London-based group, said that “this activity is highly illegal in the U.K.” and elsewhere.
