Customizing Cellular Message Encryption Algorithm

This paper observes the cryptanalysis of the Telecommunications Industry Association’s Cellular Message Encryption Algorithm (CMEA). The CMEA has been widely used for wireless security and the breaking of the scheme proves the requirement of alternatives. In the current paper, the properties of CMEA which have lead to the successful cryptanalysis, have been identified. Accordingly the algorithm has been modified to prevent the attacks. Finally the customized CMEA has been subjected to standard linear and differential cryptanalysis to evaluate its security margin. The endeavour demonstrates that with appropriate modifications the CMEA can be transformed into a strong cipher, which is essential for wireless security.