ABSTRACT
Security in GSM is an important issue because the mobile users are likely to transmit sensitive data over a network infrastructure that is not truly secure. The security weaknesses of GSM stem from some trust-related hypotheses made by the developers, including the lack of node authentication and some design flaws in the security protocols. The most important threat for the GSM is, however, linked to the fact that the subscriber may believe that the entire structure is secure and
may erroneously trust it to exchange confidential information. Nonetheless, since all wireless networks suffer from multiple exposures posed by the wireless environment, the security and confidentiality in GSM were some of the reasons for which this standard was considered superior to other mobile communication systems. The GSM success has later inspired other systems such as the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).
