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Glossary > Global System for Mobiles GSM

What is Global System for Mobiles GSM?

Understanding Global System for Mobiles GSM

Each call is transformed into digital data that is given a channel and a time slot. GSM is a standard for mobile communications that uses time-division multiple access TDMA technology, dividing each frequency channel into time slots to serve multiple users simultaneously. Originally developed for 2G networks, GSM technology established foundational mobile security concepts though its encryption A5 algorithm has been found vulnerable. Mobile security is addressed in standards like NIST SP 800-124 and GSMA security guidelines. Organizations implement mobile security through device management, encryption, secure communications channels, and policy enforcement. For example, an enterprise might implement mobile device management MDM that enforces encryption, strong authentication, and secure communications regardless of the underlying mobile network technology. Related terms: Mobile security, TDMA, Cellular network, A5 algorithm, SIM card, Mobile device management, 2G 3G 4G 5G networks.

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