The Most Frequently Asked Questions About CloneSafe™ Validator™

1. Why do I need Validators™?
2. I already use my EDI network to transfer manufacturer pre-programmed A-keys to my Authentication Center. Why do I need to use a Validator to program new ones?
3. Can an "over-the-air" process be used to program A-keys?
4. Can I program other mobile phone parameters besides the A-key with the Validator™?
5. How secure is the Validator from tampering?
6. What is someone breaks into a Validator to steal A-keys?
7. What if someone steals a Validator™?
8. What happens if you try to provision an A-key into a non-authentication capable phone with the Validator™?
9. What are the benefits for a dealer or retail agent using the Validator™?

1. Why do I need Validators™?

Validators provide the most secure method of programming authentication keys (A-keys) into mobile phones at the retail point-of-sale, service provider fulfillment center, inventory warehouse, or mobile phone manufacturing facility.

2. I already use my EDI network to transfer manufacturer pre-programmed A-keys to my Authentication Center. Why do I need to use a Validator™ to program new ones?

Validators eliminate A-key mismatches that occur during the pre-programming process (reports indicate that about 5% of manufacturer pre-programmed phones do not match the value stored in the manufacturer's database). Validators also eliminate security compromises that WILL occur during the A-key pre-programming process or in the manufacturer's A-key database. Validators allow the re-programming of A-keys in any mobile phone in real-time, such as when a churned phone needs to be reprogrammed. The EDI solution will not support churned phones or phones that need to be re-programmed for any other reason.

3. Can an "over-the-air" process be used to program A-keys?

Yes. Many parts of the network, as well as the mobile phones, need to be enhanced and upgraded to support Over-the-Air Service Provisioning (OTASP). It is Synacom's opinion that it will be approximately 3-5 years before OTASP can be used as a primary method for activating new subscribers. Even then, continuing need for the Validator, e.g. in cases where OTASP fails and a backup means of activating a subscriber is required.

4. Can I program other mobile phone parameters besides the A-key with the Validator?

Yes. The Validator™ was originally designed to program different numeric address module (NAM) parameters into the mobile phone, including the mobile identification number (MIN) and the system ID (SID). Future releases of the product will support this capability.

5. How secure is the Validator™ from tampering?

Synacom has designed mechanisms to discourage and detect tampering. For example, the SAMS logs all Validator transactions including a unique ID associated with each Validator™. Authentication failures that occur because of cloned A-keys can be traced back to the unit used to steal the keys. The unique IDs can be used to shut down an individual Validator™ when tampering has been detected. The Validator also supports password protection and individual agent passwords to trace A-key programming to an individual.

6. What is someone breaks into a Validator™ to steal A-keys?

A-keys are never stored in the Validator™. It is simply a secure communications device.

7. What if someone steals a Validator™?

A stolen Validator™ provides no benefit to a thief for A-key programming. A-keys can be continually programmed into many phones, but until the service provider's provisioning system requests these keys, a subscription to the service is unaffected. A-key programming is only part of the provisioning process and an HLR or AC record needs to be updated for any changes to take place. Stolen Validators can always be shut down from the SAMS™ based on its unique identifier.

8. What happens if you try to provision an A-key into a non-authentication capable phone with the Validator™?

The Validator™ support s a variety of error messages on its display screen. An A-key cannot be programmed into a mobile phone that does not have the capability to store it and an error message will be indicated.

9. What are the benefits for a dealer or retail agent using the Validator™?

Validators provide a fast, efficient, accurate, and secure method for programming A-keys into the mobile phone. The entire process adds only a few seconds to the customer acquisition and provisioning process. The Validator eliminates manual programming errors and provides limited and secure access to the A-key management system. The Validator™ saves time and money and greatly reduces the risk of an A-key compromise by anyone, including phone manufacturers, dealers, or service provider employees.