ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm)

Also known as: Elliptic Curve DSA

ECDSA (FIPS 186-5) is a digital signature algorithm over elliptic curves, typically P-256 or P-384 in telecom deployments. It is widely used for TLS/IPsec certificates, SEPP N32 signing, subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) authentication and code signing, offering shorter keys and signatures than RSA at equivalent security.

Categories: SignalingRoaming and InterconnectIdentity and Subscriber

ECDSA in context

Signaling protocols carry the control-plane messages that set up calls, register subscribers 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 as top-tier telecom risk.

Roaming and interconnect are where two operators exchange signaling and user-plane traffic. Trust boundaries here are the primary attack surface for location tracking, SMS interception and fraud, which is why GSMA now mandates SEPP with PRINS on 5G interconnect.

To place ECDSA in the wider telecom-security picture, review X.509, Roaming Interconnect Security, GRE, Integrity, SS7 and SUPI: each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

Related topic hubs

  • Roaming Security IPX/GRX interconnect risk, home-routed vs local-breakout, SEPP.
  • 5G Security 5G SBA, SEPP, SUCI, 5G-AKA, N32 and service-based interface security.
  • SEPP Security N32-c/N32-f, PRINS, JWE and OAuth 2.0 at the 5G roaming edge.
  • Diameter Security 4G/LTE Diameter threats across IPX/roaming and DEA defenses.

More from the TelcoSec Glossary

Browse the full TelcoSec Glossary, the Ultimate Guide to Mobile Network Security, or the P1 Arsenal of telecom-security tools.