Mobile phone spyware and malware are not new. In fact, a Computer Weekly article, “Mobile phone spyware – it’s here,” warned back in 2006 that “there is evidence that malware writers are now actively working on developing their own mobile spyware.” The same article also said that “the likelihood of an individual user getting targeted is pretty low.” Well, welcome to 2011.
In the most recent issue of AARP Bulletin, January-February 2011, an article, “The Spy in Your Hand,” author Sid Kirchheimer, indicates that all someone has to do is get the unsuspecting mobile phone user to click on a link that has been forwarded by the spy and the intruder can hear calls, see messages and track that user’s location.
Legal and Illegal Ramifications of Mobile Phone Spyware
According to Kirchheimer’s article, mobile phone spyware is illegal in the United States. Unfortunately, it is sold by overseas websites. However, there is an even bigger problem that manufacturers have foisted upon an unsuspecting public: legal smart-phone spyware apps.
These are the monitoring software programs that are sold legally in the U.S. as tools for watching over your children when they are out and which are too often used to catch a cheating spouse or errant employee.
In fact, one U.S. manufacturer, Spy Associates, goes so far as to write on their home page, “After the program is installed, it will immediately begin recording and uploading text messages and other results from the phone. There's no easier way to monitor the smartphone activities of your employees or children. Keep them safe and honest with Mobile Spy.”
Warning Signs and How to Protect Your Smartphone
It used to be that all any cell phone owner had to worry about was losing their phone and winding up with an exorbitant phone bill. Now it’s important to keep your phone out of the hands of others to protect against spying.
Naturally, the wisest thing that any smartphone owner can do is to be proactive. That means recognizing that any wireless communication device is as vulnerable as a PC when it comes to spyware, worms, viruses and other malware. You may want to find out if an antivirus program can be installed before you receive your smartphone from the manufacturer.
While it can be difficult to tell once your phone has been infected, here are some warning signs offtered by Kirchheimer:
- Review your bill. It may show texts to unknown phone numbers, especially at the same time as other calls. That’s when the spyware has kicked in and someone is likely monitoring you.
- Check your battery. If it’s warm when the phone is off or it dies quickly, you may have a power drain due to spyware use.
- Watch your phone. A sign that you have been infected is when it flickers or lights up when it is off.
Like the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Consider using a handset pass code; don’t let anyone else use your phone, and never open links that are forwarded to you. As Kirchheimer suggests, “buy a $20 phone with prepaid minutes for your sensitive conversations.”
Sources:
- Computer Weekly article, ‘Mobile phone spyware – it’s here” accessed 1/12/11.
- Kirchheimer, Sid. “The Spy in Your Hand.” AARP Bulletin, January-February 2011.
- Newsweek article, “Is Someone Spying on Your Cell-Phone Calls?” accessed 1/12/2011.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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