SAS (GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme)

SAS in context

The mobile core is where subscriber sessions, mobility and policy live. In 4G it is the EPC (MME, HSS, S/PGW); in 5G it is the Service-Based Architecture with AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, UDM and the NRF. Core exposure is the difference between a single-subscriber leak and a fleet-wide breach.

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 SAS in the wider telecom-security picture, review eSIM (Embedded SIM, eUICC), NESAS, EIR, Cryptography, Encryption and SECA.

Related terms

• eSIM (Embedded SIM, eUICC)
• NESAS
• EIR
• Cryptography
• Encryption
• SECA
• SEPP
• SIM

Related topic hubs

• Telecom Security Audit Structured MNO/MVNO security audit methodology.
• SS7 Penetration Testing Interconnect pentest methodology for SS7 signaling.
• SIM Swap Attack SIM swap fraud, port-out and account takeover risk.
• Telecom Penetration Testing End-to-end telecom pentest across signaling, radio and core.

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.