Abstract:

This paper described the mutual operation mechanism among 2G/3G/4G in mobile communication network, and analyzed the security risks of pseudo base station caused by mutual operation. Further analysis showed that the risk was caused by the one-way authentication mechanism. This paper proposed the GSM SR-AKA algorithm, which could prevent against the pseudo base station attack. This algorithm can achieve two-way authentication by the network side and smart card without changing the GSM authentication procedure or the parameter’s format. Furthermore, the old SIM card is compatible with the new algorithm, making the scheme easy to implement.

Key words: mobile communication, mutual operation, pseudo base station