Cell
Phone - Illegal Activity
Are you concerned with tapping of your cell phone or Spyware
Software? Here is some information shared by cellular providers.
- The industry is aware of this issue and goes through significant efforts to protect customer's privacy by blocking spam, filtering for viruses, testing software that is sold, etc.
- A person should never leave their cell phone unattended or give the device to a person they do not know.
- Cell phone spyware, when used without the person's consent, violates the federal wiretap statute (18 USC sec. 2511).
- To protect your cell phone from spyware:
- Keep track of your cell phone, just like you would any of your other personal items.
- Don't loan your device to people you don't know or leave it where there is potential for someone to tamper with it.
- Don't visit or download anything unless it's from a trusted website/source.
- Know and use the security features on your phone (i.e. password locks).
Can Cell Phone Spyware Software be loaded onto my phone
remotely?
No. There are currently no Cell Phone Spyware Software programs
that can be loaded remotely. The individual wanting to load the
Trojan onto your device must actually have access to your device to load
the Trojan, which then becomes difficulty to detect.
How can I avoid falling victim to Cell Phone Spyware Software
being loaded to my device?
Keep your device with you at all times. Lock the handset to avoid
anyone from gaining access. Avoid downloading content from
unidentified individuals via Text Messages or Data email from your
device.
Can I tell if Spyware has been installed on my device?
Most of the Spyware Trojans are not easy to identify, however some
indications may be:
- Difficulty powering the phone off - this includes the device not responding for several minutes when attempting to power it off.
- The device sporadically lights up with no incoming or outgoing activity.
- The internet icon indicates an internet connection when not in use.
- Monitor your GPRS 3G usage for unusual traffic.
- Your invoices indicate an increase in Text Messaging traffic, beyond your standard usage.
How can spyware be removed once it has been confirmed active
on a device?
Contact the Telephone Support Office immediately. A reinstall of
firmware may be necessary.