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IMSI on Common ID BSSMAP message

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  • #66954
    Ram
    Guest

    Hi everyone,

    MSC sends IMSI on “Common ID” message so that BSC can keep reference of the transaction. I have few questions,

    1. Does BSC send this IMSI over Air Interface to MS.
    2. Is there any possibility to hack the IMSI by some one.

    We want to activate this feature of sending IMSI on Common ID to all transactions. But worried of this eavesdropping problem.

    Pls confirm.

    Thanks

    #66955
    pix
    Guest

    Hi Ram,

    The Common ID is used only for paging coordination: when the MS is in a packet transfer, it is still able to receive CS Pagings.

    Your questions, my answers:
    1. Does BSC send this IMSI over Air Interface to MS.
    — No !!!
    2. Is there any possibility to hack the IMSI by some one.
    — Yes, a hacker can always hack IMSIs from a network, but the usage of the “common ID” won’t make it easier. IMSI are not transmitted on the Air interface, except on very specific cases (AFAIK : roaming MS or new SIM cards, at first attach only)

    To secure your network as much as possible, use A5/1 or better A5/3 encryption, TMSI Reallocation, TMSI paging, … (i’m no expert on the topic)

    regards
    pix

    #66956
    paraHO
    Guest

    There has been a previous thread on this subject on this forum that may answer part of your query:

    IMSI Trace from the BSC (OSS) – see thread=4368

    #66957
    Ram
    Guest

    Hi Pix and paraHO.

    Thanks for your answers.

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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