2G (Second Generation Mobile Network)

Digital cellular technology introduced in the 1990s, most notably GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) in Europe and CDMA in the US. 2G enabled SMS text messaging, basic data services, and introduced the first mobile security mechanisms (SIM-based authentication). Data speeds reached up to 14 kbps.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkIdentity and SubscriberSecurity Controls

2G in context

The radio access network is the layer where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations, downgrade attacks and jamming, and defenses hinge on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

Subscriber identifiers (IMSI, SUPI, MSISDN, IMEI) are the anchor for authentication, charging, lawful interception and fraud analytics. Any protocol or interface that leaks a permanent identifier is treated as a serious privacy defect, which is why 5G introduced SUCI concealment on the air interface.

To place 2G in the wider telecom-security picture, review WCDMA, 1G, 6G, OTA, USIM and SIM Swap.

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