As I mentioned previously, 2G SIM cards had a security flaw where you could issue multiple requests for encrypted data, do cryptanalysis on the responses, and eventually extract Ki from the card.
Att sim card serial#
IMEI spoofing is another matter, as the IMEI is not actually used as part of the account credentials to login to the network, but even though I believe our laws only mention stuff about cloning the "Electronic Serial Number" of mobile phones, I think any reasonable court would rule that SIM cloning and ESN cloning are essentially the same thing, and are therefore illegal.Īnd even if you don't care about the legality of it all, 3G SIM cards as far as I know simply cannot be cloned.
So eBay would not allow such devices to be listed. No, SIM cloning is illegal in many countries, possibly even in the US, as it's analogous to ESN cloning (remember in the days of AMPS, people could clone your phone and make calls under your account? SIM cloning is essentially that same thing for GSM/UMTS networks). This is because clones compromise the GSM location-based service that SIM cards rely on. Law enforcement agencies may find it difficult to reach an injured or distressed party if an emergency call is made by a phone using a clone. It should also be noted that though using a SIM clone can appear convenient in some respects, safety issues may also present themselves as a result of using the clone.
Att sim card software#
Anti-tamper software on V2 of 3G SIM cards makes cloning new SIM cards and their corresponding devices a lost effort.Īs attractive as obtaining a SIM clone may seem to individuals who desire to use two phones with one phone number, legal and technical difficulties should discourage any efforts to clone SIM cards. Most of the technology currently available to facilitate cloning is meant to work only on older models of phones. Though SIM cloning was easier with older models of cell phones and can still be technically done today, successfully completing a cloning is very difficult for some and virtually impossible for most. Whereas a few years ago cloning could be done by radio, those interested in obtaining SIM clone must now have physical access to the original SIM card. Now, if a SIM card detects that cloning has been engaged, the SIM card can render itself inoperable. New security measures such as embedding security operations make obtaining a SIM clone more difficult. In the 1990s, companies that provided cellular services recognized the problems that SIM cloning presented and began to take measures to thwart the SIM cloning business. Engaging in activities that can result in a SIM clone is illegal.