Dutch signaling experts BroadForward provides vital new functionality required to determine the authenticity of devices in multi-technology mobile networks, targeted at regulators and operators looking to establish effective network access control
Amersfoort, the Netherlands, June 23rd, 2020
BroadForward, leader in intelligent signaling software and a five-time GSMA Best Mobile Technology award nominee, has released additional details of the BroadForward Next Generation Equipment Identity register (NG EIR). The NG EIR provides the necessary features required to close EIR related security gaps that criminals have been able to exploit over the last decades.
The EIR was introduced in 1996 to allow devices on a mobile network based on their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and to block stolen mobile phones. Today a new generation of EIR systems is required to handle the diversity and complexity of network technologies, and to adapt to new and ever changing security challenges. Operators are the designated party to control access to the network. Therefore the ability to determine authenticity of a device across networks, coupled with fast adaptation to new security threats, is key to all service providers.
The BroadForward NG EIR is the only software based solution designed specifically for modern, multi-technology networks in this hyper-connected era. It provides a unique combination of unlimited database scalability, the ability to determine device legitimacy with intelligent control of access across 2G, 3G, 4G and later even 5G networks. In addition, the solution allows operators to adapt swiftly to new and changing security threats.
The NG EIR is capable of performing extensive cross-referencing checks (including IMEI, IMSI, MSISDN, location). It closes the security loop across network technologies, based on its single engine design supporting Mobile (SS7, Diameter, HTTP/2), Fixed (RADIUS) and IT (HTTP, REST/SOAP). Moreover, the NG EIR supports an adaptive learning function that performs automatic whitelist IMEI provisioning and can prevent sudden blockage of devices.
Through its extensive service logic, operators can take effective action against unwanted devices – for instance to phase out duplicate IMEIs in a controlled manner. Because the NG EIR can detect device anomalies on the network in real-time, it is able to immediate provide warnings to security systems using IT protocols of choice such as HTTP and SNMP. The combination of these features is required to reduce the ability of criminals to engage in fraudulent activities, such as device tax fraud, identity theft, SIM Box fraud, cell phone or SIM cloning fraud, duplicate IMEI numbers and IMEI changes.
Taco Schoute, CEO at BroadForward commented: “The BroadForward NG EIR provides vital new functionality required to establish the legality and authenticity of a device in a mobile network. With its capabilities for cross referencing information to establish device authenticity, the NG EIR counters current and future security threats. Safeguarding users on the network and ensuring reliability of communications is a prerequisite for building trust. It supports implementation and execution of nationwide security measures in a fast and cost-effective way. This is not only important for operators that embrace security as a core function, but also for regulators looking for ways to control access of illegal devices – for instance to circumvent paying tax duties.