Mobile Subscriber Identity and Temporary Identifiers

Learn about the concept of Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) and Globally Unique Temporary Identity (GUTI) used to protect privacy in mobile networks. Discover the scenarios where using temporary identifiers for authentication may not be feasible.

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@EnchantingWormhole

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Questions and Answers

What is used to authenticate a Mobile Subscriber in GSM?

Subscriber Identity Module

Why does GSM use a digital air interface?

To minimize interference problems

What is the purpose of a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) in GSM?

To provide high security for the subscriber

Which entity controls the allocation of new Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) numbers in GSM?

VLR Signup and view all the answers

How does GSM provide enhanced privacy to subscribers and security to network providers?

By updating TMSI frequently Signup and view all the answers

What is used to uniquely identify the Mobile Equipment (ME) in GSM?

IMEI number Signup and view all the answers

What temporary identifier is used in 3G systems?

TMSI Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of mobile networks does the text mention as having IMSI catching attacks?

4G Signup and view all the answers

What is an active man-in-the-middle adversary able to do in the context of IMSI catching attacks?

Simulate scenarios to reveal the user's long-term identity Signup and view all the answers

Why is backward compatibility sometimes considered a challenge in addressing IMSI catching attacks?

It may perpetuate the persistence of privacy problems Signup and view all the answers

Which security specification in 5G networks prohibits plain-text transmissions of the SUPI over the radio interface?

3GPP Signup and view all the answers

When might authentication through the use of temporary identifiers not be possible?

When registering with a network for the first time and not yet assigned a temporary identifier Signup and view all the answers

Why was IMSI catching still possible in 3G?

Because implementing a solution would have been too complex. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason behind the introduction of forward security in handovers in EPS?

To prevent IMSI catching attacks. Signup and view all the answers

In 5G networks, which security type mainly covers Authentication, Integrity, and Ciphering of Signaling and Data?

NAS Authentication Signup and view all the answers

Why did 3G networks allow session keys CK, IK delivered to one network to be used in any other 3G network?

As a potential security vulnerability that was later mitigated in EPS. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for introducing cryptographic network separation of authentication material in EPS?

To address potential security breaches affecting multiple 3G networks. Signup and view all the answers

Why were RNCs considered less vulnerable locations than eNBs in 3G networks?

As they were physically located deep inside the network. Signup and view all the answers

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