Mobile [Cell] Phone Espionage

There has recently been a great increase in the levels of telephone network hacking and mobile phone espionage. Mobile phone spy software is now widely available and very affordable, and the majority of mobile phones can quickly be modified or replaced, to become portable espionage tools. This security threat has increased as more mobile phones offer increased functionality, such as internet access. Generally speaking, the more complicated a phone is, the more easily it can be tapped. Spy software can be quickly downloaded onto a mobile phone within a few minutes, and such software can enable the phone’s conversations to be listened to, text messages to be viewed, and the precise location of the phone to be pinpointed to within two to three metres using triangulation from telephone masts or base stations. Phone microphones can subsequently be switched on remotely, allowing conversations to be overheard even when the phone is not being used or in some cases, is switched off!

Precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of mobile phone espionage. Security passwords should be installed on all mobile phones and personnel should keep their phone within sight at all times to prevent the opportunity for spy software to be installed. Removing a phone’s battery when not in use can be an effective security measure, however this is not always failsafe.

All organisations should invest in security measures to ensure that the mobile phones of high-level employees are kept secure, to prevent unnoticed espionage occurring. If there are any concerns that a mobile phone has been bugged, a replacement should be purchased immediately. The same process should apply if you are not sure whether the phone may have been previously sabotaged.