Silently, but with increasing frequency, government agencies
and private individuals around the world are bugging cellular phones.
Some of those phones are surreptitiously transmitting copies of their SMS,
emails, call histories, and locations to Websites where the data may be viewed
by those who have installed the clandestine software.
Most cellular subscribers don't have to worry about this
happening to them, at least not yet. But anyone -- suspected criminals,
spies, corporate executives, spouses, and even ex-lovers -- could be targeted. Thanks to software you can purchase over the Web, you don't have to be a secret
agent to listen to cellular conversations or retrieve data transmissions.
Recently, a Swedish man was found guilty of hiding
a cellular phone behind the headboard of his ex-girlfriend’s bed and
remotely turning on the phone to listen to conversations. A YouTube
video demonstrates software capable of automatically turning a phone into a recording
device.
Although listening to voice conversations certainly has an
old-fashioned allure, snooping on data transmissions is so much more
contemporary. For the latest in cellular spyware, check out FlexiSPY. The software comes in four versions
with varying degrees of sophistication and compatibility with Symbian, Windows
Mobile, and BlackBerry handsets.
Unfortunately, the software can't be installed remotely, so
you'll need to have the phone to download the software. But don't
despair; after FlexiSPY is downloaded, it's hidden so the phone's owner isn't
likely to suspect any foul play. Once installed, it can be controlled
remotely via SMS transmitted to the handset.
The most full-featured version, PRO-X, enables users to view
SMS text, email, the phone's location, and call logs, including the name of the
person calling if it's in the phone's address book. The software also can
be used to listen to calls. All this value doesn't come cheap; it's €250 (US$387) for a one-year license. But that fee also buys you a secure Website to which the
phone's data is sent.
FlexiSPY isn't the only bugging software available. Mobile Spy enables you to record SMS
(including the sender's and receiver's number), the URLs of Websites accessed
from the phone, and voice call logs, including the phone number called and the
call's length. It's $99.97 for a one-year license. Mobile Spy also
includes a Website for viewing the phone's transmitted data.
Tim Wilcox, a private investigator in Indiana, wrote in 2006, "Two-thirds of all eavesdropping devices found these days are cell phone
bugs." If you think your phone might be bugged, check out these tips
from privacy expert Lauren Weinstein, or view his video.
"But who would bug my phone?" you might ask naively.
How about: the company you work for, a business competitor, a jealous
spouse or friend, a nosy family member, or almost any government
agency in the U.S. or abroad.
Anyone who can purchase the software, and is alone with your phone for a few
minutes, can bug you. With half of the world's population already
using cellphones, I suspect it's a tempting opportunity for many people.
I'm not an expert in European computer security. Europeans are more expert about cellular phones and Bluetooth than Americans. However, when it comes to computers, Americans are rather heavy users compared to, I think, most other countries where the phone, not the computer, is often the wireless Internet device of choice.
I think the development of computer security probably is better than in Europe. We've got many more experts. But it's not a hard and fast rule. You might have read about the denial of service attacks in Estonia and what occurred. The Estonians seem to be rather Internet savvy.
Overall, though, American computer security competence is rather good. If you get into the concept of protecting individual liberties, that's another subject.
Yes, those guys do some pretty wild stuff. One of the guys, I think it's Larry, has an RFID chip implanted in his arm and invites anyone to hack it.
I agree that a lot of people aren't aware of the vulnerabilities and exploits that are out there for the devices they carry every day. I'd bet that a lot of them also figure that they aren't anyone important, so they're not a target.
I wonder how many of the 'linksys' wifi's we'll see if the internet providers start charging for bandwidth used, as was discussed in another post?
The sad thing on those wifi ids is that they are so easy to change. Change it to something boring that doesn't give away your location or the fact that you are the owner. Or if your router allows it, turn off the id option altogether.
I wrote in a comment to this article, I think, that I am amused how I can see so many Bluetooth-enabled phones when I'm wandering around -- that users don't have a clue about securing.
I think it's insane not to use a headset or some hands-free device while driving. Using a phone while driving is a distraction regardless, but holding it to your ear with one hand on the wheel is even worse.
A previous commenter -- Geekess -- wrote about Bluetooth jacking via headsets. Perhaps the time is ripe for the San Francisco Chronicle and others to write about this.
Americans are some of the least knowledgeable Bluetooth users -- especially compared to Europeans and others overseas who have been using Bluetooth for years to send contact information, download apps and tether as a modem to a computer. Americans mostly use Bluetooth for headsets.
I think Americans are getting a bit better about securing their WiFi routers at home. But one reason is, I think, because some DSL providers have security (at a minimum WEP) turned on as the default and require you to set a passphrase.
I personally am shocked that there hasn't been a greater effort to secure bluetooth communications. To this day you can go into any public setting and scan dozens of bluetooth devices.
Just venting, as of July 1st my state (California) is making it mandatory that all vehicle cell phone calls be conducted with a handsfree device. Hackers Holiday.
Very interesting. Those guys at Pauldotcom.com do some crazy stuff from what I've seen on their site.
With the popularity of consumer electronics, we are seeing more and more attacks. Seeing a "netgear" or "linksys" wifi network tells you something - that same thing happens with bluetooth, etc. Most people don't even know what some hackers can do - or don't think they can be the target of an attack.
I follow the same practice of leaving services off unless I need them. Much safer that way, although I'm sure there's probably something out there than can remotely activate them!
The PaulDotCom.com guys have been doing podcasts for a while, and they're hilarious. The main guy has a book out on WRT54G hacks, and just started teaching a course on wireless hacks through SANS.
As for the MI 'this cellphone will self-destruct' scenario: Yeah, the vendors probably would have trouble fitting a smoke generator into the phone! TSA personnels' lack of a sense of humor has been demonstrated numerous times as well...
I did happen to recall the case where the FBI had bugged a suspect's car using their OnStar system. The case involved a strip club owner bribing a local San Diego politician to be more lenient in laws related to strip clubs. I think it was the strip club owner's car that was bugged. The defense questioned the legality of bugging the car by effectively making OnStar inoperable, saying that it wouldn't have been available in an emergency situation. The FBI said that they'd have dutifully released their bugging 'stuff' and let OnStar take back over in this scenario... The prosecution won the case.
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