“How the NSA Hacks Cellphone Networks Worldwide”

London: The GSMA provided the following statement addressing a recent article appearing in The Intercept.

“The GSMA is aware of the recent article in The Intercept entitled “How the NSA Hacks Cellphone Networks Worldwide”. Our initial analysis of the claims contained in the article has focussed on the possibility of a compromise of GSMA systems, communications and stored documentation. Our preliminary conclusion is that there is no evidence of active targeting or compromise of GSMA systems, communications and stored documentation.

“The article references surveillance of GSMA Working Groups, but again, no evidence is attainable from the published documents that suggests GSMA Working Group activities have been compromised. The documents do contain some details of GSMA Working Groups but the names and structures, which are incomplete, are openly available from a large variety of public sources.

“The article also references the alleged compromise of IR.21 data (technical network data shared across operators and other industry stakeholders). We have closely examined the documents published, and given inconsistencies in the data, we believe it is unlikely that the GSMA is the source of the data. It is important to note that the information contained in an IR.21 is not sufficient to ‘hack’ a cellphone network.

“Although we see no evidence of a breach of GSMA-held assets, we are very concerned at any attempt to access or interfere with our member’s data. We will continue to stringently monitor access to GSMA systems, communications and stored documentation, and will work with all stakeholders to put in place further measures to ensure that our collective data management and security protections remain robust.”

ENDS

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 250 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and Internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.