Method and network node for obtaining a permanent identity of an authenticating wireless device

A network node configured to obtain a permanent device identity of a wireless device requesting authentication at said network node, the network node comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory storing a computer program comprising computer program code which, when run in the processor, causes the network node to:
• intercept an authentication message from a wireless device, wherein the authentication message comprises a signaled identity of the wireless device;
• extract the signaled identity from the authentication message;
• and
• determine if the signaled identity is an alias, and, responsive to determining that the device identity is an alias, manipulate at least one further authentication message to cause signaling of a permanent device identity in a subsequent authentication message from the wireless device, wherein the manipulating at least one further authentication message comprises:
• providing an amended authentication message by replacing the alias with a dummy identity,
• forwarding the amended authentication message to an authentication server,
• receiving a request from the authentication server to inquire the wireless device for the permanent device identity, and
• sending a request for the permanent device identity to the wireless device.

A network node configured to obtain a permanent device identity of a wireless device requesting authentication at said network node, the network node comprising:

• an intercepting circuit for intercepting an authentication message from a wireless device, wherein the authentication message comprises a signaled identity of the wireless device;
• an extracting circuit for extracting the signaled identity from the authentication message;
• a determining circuit for determining if the signaled identity is an alias;
• and
• a manipulation circuit for, responsive to determining that the device identity is an alias, manipulating at least one further authentication message to cause signaling of a permanent device identity in a subsequent authentication message from the wireless device,
• wherein the manipulating at least one further authentication message comprises:
• providing an amended authentication message by replacing the alias with a dummy identity,
• forwarding the amended authentication message to an authentication server,
• receiving a request from the authentication server to inquire the wireless device for the permanent device identity, and
• sending a request for the permanent device identity to the wireless device.