LTE Security. SIM/USIM Subsystem
Jean‐Gabriel Rémy, Charlotte Letamendia · 2014
It is necessary to ensure that Long Term Evolution (LTE) security measures provide the level of security required without impacting the user as this could drive users away. LTE must provide authentication, ciphering, encryption and identity protection. The subscriber identity module (SIM) card system is split in three subsystems: universal integrated circuit card (UICC): the UICC covers the hardware of the card and electronic chip, the OS of the microcomputer. USIM is the UMTS and LTE telecommunication application. IP Multimedia Services Identity Module (ISIM) is a set of non-telecommunication applications provided by third parties. One of the key elements within the security of GSM, UMTS and now LTE was the concept of the SIM. This card carried the identity of the subscriber in an encrypted fashion and this could allow the subscriber to keep his/her identity while transferring or upgrading phones.