IBM warns of mobile phone hacks

Making calls at somebody else's expense is just so SIMple...

By Pia Heikkila, 8 May 2002 13:45

NEWS IBM has warned that hackers can clone mobile phone SIM cards easily, allowing them to make calls and steal information. IBM's researchers have discovered that hackers commonly employ a tactic called a partitioning attack, which focuses on the power fluctuations inside the phone's SIM (Security Identification Module). A hacker only needs access to the phone for one to two minutes to gain access to the phone's data. They can then copy personal information stored on the SIM or make calls remotely at the victim's expense. But the technique only works on the current generation of GSM phones. The researchers' full findings are to be presented at an IEE (Institute of Electrical Engineers) Symposium to be held next week in the US.

Post your comment

In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.

Log in or create your silicon.com account below

Will not be displayed with your comment

By signing up for this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understood our Privacy Policy.

Questions about membership? Find the answers in the Membership FAQ