Mobile operator group defines security requirements

The Open Mobile Terminal Platform forum (OMTP), which is supported by a number of network operators, has announced a set of recommendations to improve mobile device security over the next few years. In particular, the recommendations are designed to protect new mobile payment solutions and services from hackers. They've been welcomed by UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and by Jack Wraith, Chairman of the Mobile Industry Crime Action Forum. Members of the OMTP include AT&T, Hutchison 3G, Orange, SK Telecom, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telenor, T-Mobile and Vodafone.

iPhone update already hacked?

Last week on The Fonecast we were talking about the new iPhone update that’s scheduled for June. This week there are reports in Wired magazine that it’s already been unlocked by a group of software hackers called the iPhone Dev Team. Apparently the hacked version of iPhone 2.0 will allow customers to run any software on the phone and will keep the phones unlocked even if the customer receives a software update from Apple.

GSM security could be breached this year

It may soon be relatively easy to crack the encryption technology that protects GSM calls, according to researchers at a security conference in the USA. Although weaknesses in the GSM encryption technology have been known about for almost ten years, the cost of hardware - estimated to be over $1 million - and the lack of software has prevented any practical attacks. However, researchers David Hulton and Steve Miller say it'll soon be possible to spend less than $1500 on equipment and still have a 95% chance of cracking a phone call within an hour. Calls needn't be intercepted 'live' but can be recorded and decrypted later. [Sources: WashingtonPost.com; ComputerWorld.com]