AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting)

The fundamental security framework in telecom networks providing three functions: Authentication (verifying user identity), Authorization (determining allowed access), and Accounting (recording usage for billing and auditing). DIAMETER and RADIUS are common AAA protocols.

Categories: SignalingIdentity and SubscriberSecurity Controls

AAA in context

Signaling protocols carry the control-plane instructions that set up calls, register subscribers, hand over sessions and route SMS. SS7, Diameter, GTP-C and SIP are the four dominant families, and interconnect exposure of any of them is treated by GSMA FS.11 / FS.19 / FS.20 as a top-tier telecom risk.

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 AAA in the wider telecom-security picture, review Any-Time Interrogation (ATI), STIR, RCS, IMSI, OCS and OFCS.

Related terms

Equipment

Authentication servers (AUSF, 3GPP AAA, HSM)

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