Mobile phone security 'inadequate'
According to the BBC, a German computer scientist has published details of the secret code used to protect the conversations of more than 4bn mobile phone users
Speaking at the annual Chaos Communication Congress in Berlin late December 2009, Karsten Nohl, claims to have cracked the algorithm used to encrypt calls using GSM technology.
GSM is the most popular standard for mobile networks around the world. The work could allow anyone, including criminals, to eavesdrop on private phone conversations.
Mr Nohl told the Chaos Communication Congress (the annual meeting of international hackers organised by the Chaos Computer Club) in Berlin that the work showed that GSM security was "inadequate".
However industry trade body, the GSMA, dismissed the worries, saying that "reports of an imminent GSM eavesdropping capability" were "common but "none to date have led to a practical attack".
bbc.co.uk
