Subscriber Identity Module Card Research Articles

Multicriteria Decision Making for the Choice of the Global System for Mobile Telecommunication

When multiple conflicting criteria are available and must be considered, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), a subfield of operations research, aids the decision maker in addressing the problem. The use of MCDM, a valuable and effective technique that may be applied in situations of certainty or uncertainty, makes it easier to integrate quantitative and qualitative assessments into scientific procedures. However, many Nigerians are found to retain more than one Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in response to which of the network providers is best suited to meet their needs. This will help to minimize the number of SIM cards each person will carry, consequently reducing the cost of maintaining them. The aim of this study is to recognize and prioritize the most important mobile service provider criteria in the telecom industry in Borno State, Nigeria. Seven attributes were selected from the literature and customers. Questionnaires were systematically distributed, utilizing convenience and deliberate sampling, to 1200 customers. MTN and AIRTEL are the two most preferred service providers over the other operators within the competitive environment. It is advised that to increase their customer base, service providers in the research region enhance network connectivity, low call rates, and voice clarity.

Unveiling the Insecurity of Operational Cellular Emergency Services (911): Vulnerabilities, Attacks, and Countermeasures

The cellular network offers a ubiquitous emergency call service with its pervasive coverage. In the United States, it can be consumed by dialing 911 for cellular users, and the emergency call is forwarded to the public safety answer point (PSAP), which handles emergency service requests. According to regulatory authority requirements [1,2,3] for cellular emergency services, anonymous user equipment (UE) is allowed to access them without a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card, a valid mobile subscription, or a roaming agreement with the visited cellular network. Such support of the cellular emergency services requires different operations from conventional cellular services, thereby increasing the attack surface of the cellular infrastructure.

Identification of operational risk of embedded Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) technology based on ISO 31000: Systematic Literature Review

In the current digital era, telecommunications industry technology is growing rapidly, impacting the demands for innovation in the telecommunications operator business. One of them is the change in the size of the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card model, which is getting smaller, and the use of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology on smartphones. This study aims to identify operational risk factors from the change in SIM card technology to eSIM. The research method used is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. This study documents and reviews scientific journal papers from scientific databases published from 2015 to 2022 on risk management in the information technology field, following this research's objectives. The results obtained from this study showed that there were 43 journals studied, of which four had the theme of technology-embedded subscriber identity module (eSIM), and 13 discussed risk operations technology

Control-synthesized ultrafine Au nanoparticles by Aspergillus niger extracellular metabolites from SIM cards as high-effective 4-nitrophenol degradation catalyst

Biosynthesized Au nanoparticles are hopeful to solve the problem of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) pollution. However, inconvenient post treatments and difficult shape control of microbial synthesized Au nanoparticles limit their practical use. Therefore in this work, ultrafine Au nanoparticles (bio-AuNPs, ∼1.6 nm) are facilely and controllably prepared by Aspergillus niger extracellular metabolites from Au(III) solution of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards. Shape control of ultrafine morphology realized by preventing the growth after nucleation is helpful to maximize the utilization of Au. Removal and recovery rates of the reaction reach 81.72% and 72.45% respectively. Without shape-controlling, complex morphologies (complex-bio-AuNPs) will be obtained. Exploration of the mechanism further proves that tryptophan residues of fungal metabolites serve as the reducing species. In 4-NP degradation catalysis, bio-AuNPs exhibit excellent reusability and much higher intrinsic activity (1.667 × 106 s−1·mol−1) than commercial Pd/C, complex-bio-AuNPs and reported Au materials due to the size effect. This work provides a sustainable way to recover and reuse metal resources simultaneously, and is helpful to enlighten more studies on rational design of nanoparticles in biosynthesis.

Brand repositioning: a case of Ufone, Pakistan

Learning outcomes In the light of the case and the accompanying case questions, the students should understand:1. The theoretical underpinnings of the brand positioning and brand repositioning.2. Critical evaluation of marketing communication material in the light of theoretical underpinnings.3. The nuances of operating in emerging markets in technology-driven sectors.4. The intricate link between the business goals and communication goals5. The application of the attention-interest-desire-action model and the brand media wheel when translating business strategies into communication strategies. Case overview/synopsis It was in June 2016, when Asad Haroon, the young head of brands at Ufone, a Pakistani originated telecom operating company, was posed with a challenge of dwindling subscriber identity module card sales, deteriorating average revenue per user and an exponential increase in customer churn. The telecom industry itself was in a flux due to various factors such as changes in the regulatory frameworks and technological shifts.Asad felt that the reason for the brand’s decline might be the lack of synergy between the business strategy and the brand’s communication strategy.Asad knew that he would have to make some unpopular choices and review his brand’s communication strategy which had not yet proved to create a harmony between communication goals and business goals. However, he was unsure about how and if at all he should go about changing a marketing legacy and the brand’s positioning which had reigned the minds of his peers and his customers for so long. Complexity academic level This case is aimed toward undergraduate students enrolled in courses of principles of marketing, marketing communications and corporate media strategy. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing

Quantum Secure Communication Between Service Provider and Sim

In resource-constrained devices such as Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), the possibility of using authentication and key exchange methods, which include the mutual verification of two parties to ensure the security of communication, provides a significant advantage. As the cost efficient computations may not be efficiently performed on resource-constrained devices, security is the main problem for SIMs. With the advancing technology and the use of quantum computers, it is predicted that this may lead to threats. It is a well-known fact that security on traditional public key cryptosystems will become vulnerable by using quantum computers due to Shor’s algorithm. In this paper, two different resistant to quantum attacks structures are proposed to ensure secure communication between SIM and service providers. In the proposed methods, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) is used for communication with resource-constrained devices, and N-th degree Truncated polynomial Ring Units (NTRU) encryption system is used for communication with servers. Two methods are proposed, one with the private key and one without the private key in the production phase. This protocol provides authentication, data privacy and integrity for post-quantum SIM cards. The proposed method is inspired by the FLAT (Federated Lightweight Authentication) protocol. However, the main difference from the FLAT protocol is that it has more nodes and is resistant to quantum attacks.

Design and technical verification of a new type of subscriber identity module card for internet of vehicles

The Internet of Vehicles communication security aims to solve the V2X communication security problems under several scenarios, including direct communication and communication based on cellular network, and provides guaranteed communication security for the achievement of business goals such as vehicle-road information collaboration and road safety. Currently, V2X communication security mostly adopts digital certificate technical proposal based on public key infrastructure and is implemented through the HSM security module. However, this solution requires to preset security data such as digital certificate in the HSM module of the vehicle terminal, which has high demands on the production line of the enterprise, the difficulty is predictable. This paper designs a new type of SIM card for Internet of Vehicles based on high performance chip, which can implement the writing and updating operation of security parameters (certificates, keys, etc.) online, which can reduce the requirements for the transformation of the production line of car companies and at the same time, the security of data management is also improved. The validation result indicates that the new SIM card can realize functions such as login authentication, certificate download, signature verification, etc., and its performance meets the requirements of V2X secure communication.

SIM Kart Tabanlı Anahtar Yönetim Sisteminin Geliştirilmesi

Today, almost all applications running on the smartphone provide valuable and sensitive transactions on user’s private data such as identity data, credit card details, payment data, location data and so on. Service providers are trying to increase the efficiency of their applications and to improve the compatibility of security mechanisms through SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards owned by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). In this sense, there is an urgent need for a centralized secure key management service. Thanks to the strong security infrastructure created by card manufacturers during design and the robust security procedures applied by MNOs; SIM cards have significant potential to provide the required secure environment for service providers. Accordingly, a novel centralized SIM card based key management framework called SIM-GAYS is designed and developed to facilitate centralized cryptographic operations of diverse mobile applications provided by service providers. This paper aims to present and demonstrate the essential development results of SIM-GAYS. The functional requirements of the SIM-GAYS are tested depending on developed scenarios. The results showed that the designed and developed APDU (Application Protocol Data Unit) transmission method between SIM card and smartphone, and secure storage of the keys by the Master Key (owned by SIM-GAYS) support almost all cryptographic services provided by SIM-GAYS framework.

Achieving M2M-device authentication through heterogeneous information bound with USIM card

In the commercial launches of Long-term evolution machine type communication (LTE-M), which includes enhanced machine type communication or machine to machine (M2M) communication in the Long-term evolution (LTE), the security issues is worth the attention. Several security problems have been discovered in LTE-M. One such important problem is the non-authenticated usage of the subscriber identity module (SIM) cards. Because M2M communications are not human-centric, the common personal identification number (PIN) code verification mechanism is not suitable for the machine driven communications. In this paper, we propose two approaches to solve the non-authenticated SIM card usage problem by restricting the code in the SIM card to the specific user device. One approach, named IMEI–IMSI pairing, is an enhancement of the original authentication mechanism which performs device authentication by pairing the International Mobile Equipment Identification Number (IMEI), the device’s unique code, and the International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (IMSI), which is the SIM card’s unique code. Besides ClockSkew-IMSI pairing, the other approach, leverages certain hardware characteristics which are difficult to alter. In particular, we make use of the clock skew, which for each device is slightly different. To evaluate our methods, we implement two approaches on OpenAirInterface, an open source 5G development platform. In comparison to the method proposed for 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), both of our approaches are more efficient in achieving secure device authentication.

Side-Channel Analysis for the Authentication Protocols of CDMA Cellular Networks

Time-division multiple access (TDMA) and code-division multiple access (CDMA) are two technologies used in digital cellular networks. The authentication protocols of TDMA networks have been proven to be vulnerable to side-channel analysis (SCA), giving rise to a series of powerful SCA-based attacks against unprotected subscriber identity module (SIM) cards. CDMA networks have two authentication protocols, cellular authentication and voice encryption (CAVE) based authentication protocol and authentication and key agreement (AKA) based authentication protocol, which are used in different phases of the networks. However, there has been no SCA attack for these two protocols so far. In this paper, in order to figure out if the authentication protocols of CDMA networks are sufficiently secure against SCA, we investigate the two existing protocols and their cryptographic algorithms. We find the side-channel weaknesses of the two protocols when they are implemented on embedded systems. Based on these weaknesses, we propose specific attack strategies to recover their authentication keys for the two protocols, respectively. We verify our strategies on an 8-bit microcontroller and a real-world SIM card, showing that the authentication keys can be fully recovered within a few minutes with a limited number of power measurements. The successful experiments demonstrate the correctness and the effectiveness of our proposed strategies and prove that the unprotected implementations of the authentication protocols of CDMA networks cannot resist SCA.

Survey Analysis of Cloned SIM Card

Cyber-attacks increase in many ways such as Smart Card Cloning, Social Engineering, and Malware attacks, that eventually left millions of users prone to seizures. Currently, smart card cloning attacks are drastically increasing, especially cloned SIM Cards. Smartphones have become a whole part for our daily communications, Which consists Subscriber identity module (SIM) contains the quintessential information about the user to build the connection across different telecom operators. Due to the desideratum of telecom technology, threats are also started to grow in the form of Cloned SIM Cards. To interpret and distinguish the following attack, forensic investigators have provided with detection approaches in the form of tools to study the respective attacks patterns. The motive of this study is to address the rising issue of the cloned SIM card; At first, we analyzed the extracted artefacts in a cloned SIM card using imaging techniques and secondly, Comparing with benchmark tools to check the efficiency of artefact recovery and lastly it limitations.

User perspective and security of a new mobile authentication method

This paper describes a new mobile authentication method which is based on an Open ID Connect standard and subscriber identity module card. The proposed solution enables users to access websites, services and applications without the need to remember passwords, responses or support of any equipment. The proposed method is evaluated from the users’ perspective as well as from the security viewpoint. Moreover, we compare it with the two most popular existing authentication schemes i.e. static passwords and SMS OTP (one time password). In order to evaluate user’s view on various authentication methods a questionnaire was prepared and distributed among 40 participants. Obtained results revealed that the new authentication scheme yielded better results than the existing methods. Finally, we also performed a security analysis with respect to all abovementioned authentication solutions to assess whether there are any major risks related to the proposed method.

Development and Technical Validation of the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System: A Smartphone-Based Remote Microphone.

The purpose of this research note is to describe the development and technical validation of the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System (MoBALS), a free-of-charge smartphone-based remote microphone application. MoBALS Version 1.0 was developed for Android (Version 2.1 or higher) and was coded with Java using Eclipse Indigo with the Android Software Development Kit. A Wi-Fi router with background traffic and 2 affordable smartphones were used for debugging and technical validation comprising, among other things, multicasting capability, data packet loss, and battery consumption. MoBALS requires at least 2 smartphones connected to the same Wi-Fi router for signal transmission and reception. Subscriber identity module cards or Internet connections are not needed. MoBALS can be used alone or connected to a hearing aid or cochlear implant via direct audio input. Maximum data packet loss was 99.28%, and minimum battery life was 5 hr. Other relevant design specifications and their implementation are described. MoBALS performed as a remote microphone with enhanced accessibility features and avoids overhead expenses by using already-available and affordable technology. The further development and technical revalidation of MoBALS will be followed by clinical evaluation with persons with hearing impairment.

SIMSec: A Key Exchange Protocol Between SIM Card and Service Provider

Mobile technology is so popular and overdosed adoption is inevitable in today's world. As the mobile technologies have advanced, Service Providers (SP) have offered services via Smartphones and some of them required secure data communication between the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards on Smartphones and the servers of SP. The latest SIM cards comply with recent specifications including secure domain generation, mobile signatures, pre-installed encryption keys, and other useful security services. Nevertheless, un-keyed SIM cards do not satisfy such requirements, thus end-to-end encryption between the SIM card and SP cannot be provided. In this paper, we provide a key exchange protocol, which creates a symmetric key through the collaborative work of the SIM card and the SP server. After a successful protocol performance, the SIM card and SP can perform end-to-end data encryption. After defining the protocol, we also discuss the security issues and provide a formal security analysis of the protocol using the Casper/FDR tool.

Collecting Social Network Data from Mobile Phone SIM Cards

I used a subscriber identity module card reader to copy the lists of saved contacts from 170 mobile phones in Fiji. This approach has both advantages and disadvantages compared to other techniques for collecting telephone network data. Copying phone contacts avoids recall biases associated with survey-based name generators. It also obviates the need to obtain calling records from network service providers or to provide research subjects with specialized phones. In markets with multiple service providers, or in contexts in which mobile phones are shared extensively, the contents of contact lists may represent personal networks more accurately than actual calling records do. However, owners’ varying durations of phone ownership and varying tendencies to save and delete contacts are sources of error. Also, copying contacts from phones relies on self-reports of tie strength, which are frequently inaccurate. I analyze the data I collected in rural Fiji to evaluate these sources of error.

A changeable personal identification number‐based keystroke dynamics authentication system on smart phones

AbstractOne can apply cell phones to access e‐bank, buy stocks, pay credit card bills, and so on. The security issues of cell phones become extremely important. Most of subscribers use personal identification number (PIN) codes which combined with 6–8 numbers to protect their subscriber identity module cards from illegal accesses. It is easily to be decoded by the dictionary attack or shoulder surfing attack. Many studies employed keystroke dynamics to protect the PIN code, and the relative results exhibit that keystroke dynamics can indeed improve the security of a PIN code. However, the traditional keystroke dynamics‐based authentication (KDA) system has to collect user's keystroke dynamics firstly and then produce a unique personal biometrics. It is inconvenient for users when changing their PIN codes is required, because the corresponding KDA systems should be retrained. To solve the previously mentioned drawbacks, this paper proposes a novel technique that allows users to change their PIN codes anytime without any extra retraining. This technique not only enhance the security of the PIN codes but also enrich the security of accessing e‐bank, buying stocks, paying credit card bill, and other service via smart phones. Conducted experiment results show that the proposed system can effectively improve the KDA system to distinguish legitimate users and impostors even when users change their original passwords. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The rise of African SIM registration: The emerging dynamics of regulatory change

The African experience with mobile telephony has been extolled as a defining moment in the continent’s contemporary economic, social, and political development. Yet SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) registration schemes are threatening to throttle the technology’s developmental potential. These mandates, which require the registration of identity information to activate a mobile SIM card, are fast becoming universal in Africa, with little to no public debate about the wider social or political effects. Whereas some authors have explored the motivations behind these drives, as well as their potential economic impacts, this paper focuses its critique on the broader diversity of implications of this regulatory transformation. Viewing SIM registration through a lens that combines surveillance studies and information & communication technologies for development, it examines elements of resistance across a range of actors, as well as other emerging effects like access barriers, linkages to financialization, and Africa’s budding mobile surveillance society.

Cloning SIM Cards Usability Reduction in Mobile Networks

This paper studies the probability of using cloning subscriber identity module (SIM) cards in Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems. It also explores how the mobile system can discover the cl...

Medicolegal X-Ray and CT of standard size mobile phone cards (SIM card)

Background. Foreign body ingestion typically affects children or adults with mental conditions. SIM (subscriber identity module) card ingestion is extremely rare. As their particularly X-Ray dense metal parts are sized about 9 � 12 mm � 50−−80 μ, they can be difficult to capture on plain radiographs. We were asked by investigative authorities to point out the best method to document intentionally swallowed SIM cards. Method and material. A case of a 23 year old female who had swallowed a SIM card when she was arrested for murder was followed up with four abdomen radiographs and CT (computed tomography) of the abdomen. Experimentally, SIM cards were examined in CT. SIM card object contrast against surrounding background was quantified through CNR (contrast-to-noise ratio). Results. SIM card orientation perpendicular to plain film X-Ray beams resulted in relatively low CNR values of 1.6–2.5. SIM cards in CT scans yielded considerably better CNR values exceeding 9. Discussion. While plain abdomen radiographs have a lower X-Ray dose than abdomen CT scans, more frequent possibly negative results may lead to repetitive exposure. We recommend to consider drug trafficking as possible problem in conjunction with any observed SIM card swallowing, particularly in context of police arrests or a suspect's detention. We recommend to consider CT of the abdomen, if possible with a low dose, rather than plain abdomen radiographs. & 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Rise of African SIM Registration: Mobility, Identity, Surveillance and Resistance

The African experience with mobile telephony has been extolled as a defining moment in the continent's contemporary economic, social, and political development. Yet SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) registration schemes are threatening to throttle the technology’s developmental potential. These mandates, which require the registration of identity information to activate a mobile SIM card, are fast becoming universal in Africa, with little to no public debate about the wider social or political effects. Whereas some authors have explored the motivations behind these drives, as well as their potential economic impacts, this paper focuses its critique on the broader diversity of implications of this regulatory transformation. Viewing SIM registration through a lens that surveillance studies and information & communication technologies for development, it examines elements of resistance across a range of actors, as well as other emerging effects like access barriers, linkages to financialization, and Africa’s budding mobile surveillance society.