TRW PhonePrint (fwd)
FACT SHEET What is TRW PhonePrintTM ? TRW PhonePrintTM is a system designed to block illegal access to cellular networks by cellular "counterfeiters" who use stolen telephone identification numbers. How Does It Work? Each cellular telephone emits unique signal transmission characteristics - an electronic version of a human fingerprint - which cannot be duplicated. These characteristics are matched with the mobile identification number (MIN) and the electronic serial number (ENS) of the phone to develop a unique pattern for each legitimate customer, TRW PhonePrintTM uses sophisticated signal analysis hardware and software to analyze and file the patterns belonging to legitimate customers. When a caller attempts to access the network, the system compares incoming patterns to those on file. If the patterns do not match the call is immediately terminated. Who Benefits? Cellular telephone fraud costs the industry up to $300 million annually. TRW PhonePrintTM benefits cellular operators and customers by: o Terminating fraudulent calls before they can access the system o Eliminating the need for legitimate users to change phone numbers or codes. o Increasing the capacity of the network by eliminating the flow of illegal traffic. o Building customer confidence in the security of the cellular network. When Will It Be Available? TRW PhonePrintTM is currently being tested by PacTel Cellular, Los Angeles. Testing is expected to be completed in early 1994, and the system will be made available to cellular carriers nationwide. The Company TRW, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is strategically focused on providing products and services with a high technology or engineering content.
This sounds like they're matching access codes to physical devices. Does that mean I can't use someone else's cellphone? If this "fingerprint" signal is transmitted continuously, does this mean that it's now easier to track cellphone users? How long before someone makes a black box to spoof these signals? --Alan Wexelblat, Reality Hacker, Author, and Cyberspace Bard Media Lab - Advanced Human Interface Group wex@media.mit.edu Voice: 617-258-9168, Pager: 617-945-1842 PUBLIC KEY available by request Try not to have a good time ... This is supposed to be educational.
participants (2)
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Alan (Gesture Man) Wexelblat -
remail@tamsun.tamu.edu