The Impact of IMSI Catcher Deployments on Cellular Network Security: Challenges and Countermeasures in 4G and 5G Networks

IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) catchers, also known as "Stingrays" or "cell site simulators," are rogue devices that pose a significant threat to cellular network security [1]. IMSI catchers can intercept and manipulate cellular communications, compromising the privacy and security of mobile devices and their users. With the advent of 4G and 5G networks, IMSI catchers have become more sophisticated and pose new challenges to cellular network security [2]. This paper provides an overview of the impact of IMSI catcher deployments on cellular network security in the context of 4G and 5G networks. It discusses the challenges posed by IMSI catchers, including the unauthorized collection of IMSI numbers, interception of communications, and potential misuse of subscriber information. It also highlights the potential consequences of IMSI catcher deployments, including the compromise of user privacy, financial fraud, and unauthorized surveillance. The paper further reviews the countermeasures that can be employed to mitigate the risks posed by IMSI catchers. These countermeasures include network-based solutions such as signal analysis, encryption, and authentication mechanisms, as well as user-based solutions such as mobile applications and device settings. The paper also discusses the limitations and effectiveness of these countermeasures in the context of 4G and 5G networks. Finally, the paper identifies research gaps and future directions for enhancing cellular network security against IMSI catchers in the era of 4G and 5G networks. This includes the need for improved encryption algorithms, authentication mechanisms, and detection techniques to effectively detect and prevent IMSI catcher deployments. The paper also emphasizes the importance of regulatory and policy measures to govern the deployment and use of IMSI catchers to protect user privacy and security

Technical challenges for identification in mobile environments

This report describes technical challenges and requirements for identification of individuals in mobile (i.e. non-stationary) environments as e.g. required by the ¿European Mobile Identification Interoperability Group¿ (MOBIDIG). It is intended to support relevant stakeholders as law enforcement agencies or immigration offices, active in the area of identification of individuals in mobile environments. It offers some guidance for future technical work at the MOBIDIG to be respected in their work plan. Furthermore, it may be used as a first orientation for the general future work for identification in mobile environments using digital or electronically stored data. After the introduction and some background of MOBIDIG and its policy context, the document presents the intention, main objectives and some information about the scope of work of the group. The following proposals, suggestions and recommendations presented are explicitly focusing on technology. Organizational and procedural issues are out of focus of this document and need to be addressed separately in further documents.JRC.DG.G.6-Security technology assessmen

Hidden and Uncontrolled - On the Emergence of Network Steganographic Threats

Network steganography is the art of hiding secret information within innocent network transmissions. Recent findings indicate that novel malware is increasingly using network steganography. Similarly, other malicious activities can profit from network steganography, such as data leakage or the exchange of pedophile data. This paper provides an introduction to network steganography and highlights its potential application for harmful purposes. We discuss the issues related to countering network steganography in practice and provide an outlook on further research directions and problems.Comment: 11 page