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Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:09:05 PM

Crush

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This came up on another board I participate in and thought it was a good idea to pass along here. I've been aware of this kind of technology for a while because of some of the security consulting I do. But now that it is "out" in the public and because it is a heck of a lot easier to drop into a phone nowadays than even a year ago, it is time for people to be a bit more cautious.

Basically, software can be loaded onto a cell phone (not all cell phones and not all providers) that can track your calls, your location and your messages. Even listen in on your calls.

A news story on it: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?s=9346833

"review site" for different spyware: http://www.squidoo.com/spyphone_flexispy

Just be cautious. The fancier your phone, the simpler it is to "infect" with this stuff.

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:10:41 PM

Irishknight

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Nobody should find this surprising.

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:12:05 PM

Crush

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DOH..somehow I quoted myself...

< Message edited by Crush -- 4/22/2009 6:27:09 PM >

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:26:03 PM

servantforuse

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Cell phone calls could always be listened in on. The signals go out over the air. A simple scanner could always pick up conversations..

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:28:17 PM

Crush

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Actually,
The newer ones are digital, not analog. And frequency hop up to 50 times a sec. Not so easy to listen into them anymore with a scanner.

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:46:07 PM

Cagey18

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Crush

This came up on another board I participate in and thought it was a good idea to pass along here. I've been aware of this kind of technology for a while because of some of the security consulting I do. But now that it is "out" in the public and because it is a heck of a lot easier to drop into a phone nowadays than even a year ago, it is time for people to be a bit more cautious.

Basically, software can be loaded onto a cell phone (not all cell phones and not all providers) that can track your calls, your location and your messages. Even listen in on your calls.

A news story on it: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?s=9346833

"review site" for different spyware: http://www.squidoo.com/spyphone_flexispy

Just be cautious. The fancier your phone, the simpler it is to "infect" with this stuff.

According to that news story, someone has to be in physical possession of your phone to load the spyware.

(or if you're Paris Hilton, you have to be stupid enough to have your dog's name as your security question...)

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:54:52 PM

CatdeMedici

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uh did we think "1984" was just a good story?

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 6:55:48 PM

Irishknight

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When a friend of mine can Bluetooth pornographic pictures of an elderly woman to half the people in a church service (where he got the idea, I don't know), they can get around your security.
Another friend of mine took over someone's computer with a frakkin PSP. They'll load this stuff without you ever knowing.

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/22/2009 8:43:26 PM

Crush

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The story only tells "half the story" in how things can be uploaded.

Bluetooth makes it possible without access, as IrishKnight points out. As does letting someone gain access to your phone.

Sure, you can hold on to your phone all the time. But I'm willing to say many of us leave it unattended in a purse, on a desk, etc.

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RE: Just a caution about cell phones - 4/23/2009 11:43:33 PM

gman992

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You don't need a scanner--just the satellites the NSA/Russia//China uses! Not too mention how expensive it could get. Why don't they just charge you like a landline and bill for the time you use. We are not all Jack Bauer who always seems to be able to use his cell phone anywhere and never run out of minutes!

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