Elusive Threats: Security Weaknesses of Commercial Cellular Networks

Abstract

Commercial cellular telecommunications networks are routinely used as key means of voice and data transport by both businesses and the Public. Despite advances in encryption and other security measures, these commercial cellular networks remain extremely vulnerable to malicious attacks and the loss of user and data privacy and integrity. Such losses can result not only in mere inconvenience, but in serious corporate and national security breaches. Because of the potentially catastrophic nature of such security breaches, it behooves cellular network operators, distributors, and users to explore these network risk areas and mitigate them to the extent that current resources allow.