We have heard from a number of radio users lately who mistakenly think that because they are using digital two-way radio, their transmissions can’t be listened to or eavesdropped, and the conversations are private. There have also been many related discussions on cyber security lately.
In most circumstances, it is just as easy for someone to listen to you in digital, as was in analogue.
It is even possible - and has been proven in practice - to easily "hack into" DMR digital trunked networks and talk to users, as there is no radio authentication required when calls are already in progress. All you need is a DMR capable radio and to know the frequencies and talkgroups, which are easily obtainable with a digital radio scanner or online.
Most digital two-way radio transmissions in NSW are not encrypted in any way, including many transmissions on our largest two digital radio networks, the Government Radio Network (P25 digital) and the Orion Network (MotoTRBO/DMR digital).
Even if you are using an encrypted two-way radio, only part of your transmissions might actually be encrypted. As is supported by Motorola documentation, digital radio encryption only encrypts part of the transmission: the voice and data payload. Control messages are not encrypted, including talkgroup ID, radio ID and status messaging. High-Efficiency Data is also not encrypted, which usually means that your GPS and location information is not encrypted and is sent "in the clear" for all to see.
Radio networks employing encryption can be decrypted through a technique called “traffic analysis,” where a skilled person can crack the encryption, thanks to common repetitive information which is required to be sent over the air as part of the radio protocol. But usually this is not even a consideration, as most digital transmissions are unencrypted and easily listened to.
In contrast, leading Push-to-talk communications which operate over broadband networks employ multiple forms of encryption. The nature of broadband networks means that all communications and signalling is encapsulated in multiple layers of security.
