Cheap Eavesdropper Device

Almost a decade ago the 64-Bit A5/1 encryption used on GSM based networks was cracked. However, equipment to eavesdrop costs upwards of $100000 which is out of reach for a number of people or companies. A company in the US have claimed that they can make a similar device that can drop in on conversations for just $1000 which is a huge saving.

The device is just theoretical at the moment, but theory seems to indicate that 30 minutes would be sufficient to crack GSM encryption. This is a huge increase in time over the more expensive device which is capable of cracking the codes in just 30 seconds.

This advance in technology should not make you quake in your boots though as the $1000 device is still pretty much concept at the moment and by the time it does make it out, no doubt changes to the algo’s could be made which means they have to start cracking it from the start.

It is unclear if this effects USIM cards also. Only mention of GSM SIM cards is mentioned.