German computer engineer Karsten Nohl deciphered the code used to
encrypt digital GSM mobile phone calls and then published it online. He
says his goal was to expose weaknesses in the 21-year-old GSM
algorithm that is supposed to protect the privacy of 80 percent of mobile
calls and to spur the mobile phone industry to improve security. The GSM
Association, the industry group that developed the algorithm, calls Nohl’s
actions illegal and defends the security of wireless calls. But some
security experts warn that extra steps must be taken to protect wireless
conversations, just as is done for computer transmissions.

Do you agree with Nohl’s actions? Do you worry that wireless calls are
not secure? Respond at <mailto:institute@ieee.org>