An embodiment method for serving network authentication and validation by a UE includes encrypting an identifier associated with the UE using a first instance of a public key associated with a serving network to which the UE is attempting to gain access; transmitting the identifier to the serving network; receiving from the serving network an authentication vector containing a second instance of the public key, the second instance of the public key having been encrypted using a key shared by the UE and a home network associated with the UE; decrypting the second instance of the public key using the key shared by the UE and the home network; comparing the first instance of the public key to the second instance of the public key; and when the first instance and the second instance are the same, determining that the home network has authenticated and validated the serving network.
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