Securing Cellular Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities

Cellular networks are witnessing radical transformation and are offering an array of data services, including high-speed mobile Internet access. The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), is based on IP networking standards. Signaling System No. 7 (SS7) is designed under the assumption of a closed environment in which the provider maintained total control. The development of highly capable mobile phones also introduces a range of security issues for providers. The expectation of privacy in the telecommunications world is also very high. Significantly improving security in this space will require government assistance and strong partnerships between academia and industry. The network and user devices have successfully evolved, challenging the understanding and expectations of privacy in this environment.