AKA Linkability Attack

AKA Linkability Attack 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 AKA Linkability Attack in the wider telecom-security picture, review Authentication, IMSI Catcher (Cell Site Simulator), USIM, AKA, OTA and WCDMA.

Related terms

• Authentication
• IMSI Catcher (Cell Site Simulator)
• USIM
• AKA
• OTA
• WCDMA
• eSIM Profile Theft
• 2G

Related topic hubs

• 5G Security 5G SBA, SEPP, SUCI, 5G-AKA, N32 and service-based interface security.
• 5G NEF Security Network Exposure Function security in the 5G core.
• 5G Penetration Testing Pentesting the 5G core, SBA, SEPP, and gNB interfaces.
• 5G Security Training Training on 5G core, SBA, N32, SUCI and radio security.

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