CYBER SECURITY FOR GSM DATA PROTECTION

CYBER SECURITY FOR GSM DATA PROTECTION

ABSTRACT

With the increasing use of extensive IT and Telecommunication systems for sensitive or safety-critical applications, the matter of IT and Telecommunication security is becoming more important. For the computer system, and its related applications, including data, to be trustworthy, it must be secured. This project covers all aspects of Computer System security. This project equally understudied the security of data as it affects mobile systems vis-à-vis Global System for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM). The existing security algorithms in the GSM network were understudied and critical flaws found in them that cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of user’s data during communication session. This poses a great threat in sensitive and safety-critical environments such as financial institutions, Military, Educational, or even in espionage establishments such as State Secret Services (SSS) and security establishments. This Masters project finally proffered solution to these flaws found in GSM security system by adopting a software-based approach. A computer-based program was written in JAVA programming language to provide end-to-end data (SMS only) encryption in two-way communication using compatible MIDP mobile phones or other portable communication devices.