Communications Chaos ~ GSM Crypto-Cracked!

Kevin O'Brien writes in the NYTimes that Cellphone Encryption Code Is Divulged. German cryptographer Karsten Nohl unlocked and exposed the code used to secure the world's GSM calls...

"This shows that existing G.S.M. security is inadequate," Mr. Nohl, 28, told about 600 people attending the Chaos Communication Congress, a four-day conference of computer hackers that runs through Wednesday in Berlin. "We are trying to push operators to adopt better security measures for mobile phone calls." The G.S.M. Association, the industry group based in London that devised the algorithm and represents wireless companies, called Mr. Nohl’s efforts illegal and said they overstated the security threat to wireless calls..."

Hmm, interesting response. A lot of calls are involved here, "Over 3.5 billion subscribers across 1,050 networks in 222 countries & regions" according to the GSM association...