NSA, GCHQ Theft of SIM Crypto Keys Raises Fresh Security Concerns
News that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and Britain’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) reportedly stole encryption keys used in SIM cards manufactured by Gemalto is sure to reignite major concerns over the surveillance tactics employed by two of the world’s largest spy agencies.
The Intercept reported yesterday that documents provided to the paper by Edward Snowden showed the NSA and GCHQ collaborated on a project to break into Gemalto’s networks and steal SIM encryption keys, which are used to protect the privacy of cellphone conversations and text communications.
The $2.7 billion Netherlands-based Gemalto supplies SIM chips used widely in mobile products from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and more than 400 wireless service providers around the world. Its chips are also used in bankcards, access cards, passports and identity cards around the world.
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