An Efficient Methodology To De-Anonymize The 5G-New Radio Physical Downlink Control Channel

Data anonymization methods are currently implemented in 5G-New Radio technical standards that help facilitate performance requirements while affording users with a certain expectation of privacy. This paper presents an efficient approach to negating current anonymization methods in a computationally efficient manner. The approach is achieved through manipulation of the polar coding process, allowing for the identification of syndromes in the decoded bits. These syndromes allow for the determination of the message recipient’s address. The ideas presented here will help to inform the development of future technical standards in ensuring robust data privacy. Simulations were conducted that develop a relationship between successful decoding rate as a function of signal-to-noise ratio levels and number of receiver antennas, as well as techniques to further develop the efficiency of the methodology while limiting false positive results.