Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for controlling the authentication and ciphering procedures in digital communication devices. In the invention, a means for transmitting and receiving radio signals is connected with a processing unit. A. SIM is provided that contains authentication and ciphering information and is also connected with the processing unit. A memory module is provided that has a first memory location reserved for a authentication flag and a second memory location reserved for a ciphering flag. During operation, an authentication indicator is activated only when the communication device is authenticated during a system access. In addition, a ciphering indicator is activated when the communication device is encrypting data being sent and received from the digital wireless network.