Security Flaws Already Found in 5G Technology

Security Flaws Already Found in 5G Technology

5G is the talk of the town, but is it free of security risks?

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Feb 27, 2019

5G is shiny, new and the talk of the town when it comes to the next generation of cellular technology, and now that the first 5G-capable phones and networks are starting to roll out experts are sinking their teeth into researching for vulnerabilities and security risks. 

Security researchers at Purdue University and the University of Iowa have already poked holes in the months-old 5G technology, discovering three new vulnerabilities in 5G that can be used to track someone's location, intercept phone calls and send fraudulent text messages.

The most critical flaw is called Torpedo and it exploits a flaw in the paging system that notifies your phone of an incoming call or text. If an attacker starts to cancel several calls in a short period of time, they can send a paging message without alerting your phone to a call. Not only does this allow the attacker to track your phone's location and spoof paging messages like Amber and Emergency alerts, but this can also expose your phone to two other attacks: Piercer and IMSI-Cracking Attack. 

Piecers allows hackers to determine your phone's unique international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) on a 4G network. IMSI-Cracking Attack allows hackers to brute-force encrypted IMSI numbers in both 4G and 5G networks. 

All four major carriers, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint are all vulnerable to Torpedo and the worst part is: Torpedo can be carried out with radio equipment that costs as little as $200.

The security researchers reported the flaws to GSMA, the international body that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, but in the meantime users must wait for GSMA and companies to patch the flaws.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.