Hacking Cellphones... Wirelessly.
This is a scary tidbit (thanks Brett for sending it through). In an industry where we are becoming increasingly paranoid about security - isn't it comforting to know that... well... we don't really know anything at all.
This ABC News special features a bunch of kids (they get younger everyday) who have set up a security consulting firm in the States. Essentially, they've figured out a way to scan mobile phones wirelessly and hack into the phone book, SMS inbox, SMS sent box and more.
Apparently it happened to our dear Miss Paris Hilton - her cellphone got hacked and a bunch of celebrity friends got a "few" prank calls. Watch the vid. Very interesting.
Where does it stop? I've already seen the latest Nokias coming out with Norton Antivirus on them. Is anything safe? Should it be?
This ABC News special features a bunch of kids (they get younger everyday) who have set up a security consulting firm in the States. Essentially, they've figured out a way to scan mobile phones wirelessly and hack into the phone book, SMS inbox, SMS sent box and more.
Apparently it happened to our dear Miss Paris Hilton - her cellphone got hacked and a bunch of celebrity friends got a "few" prank calls. Watch the vid. Very interesting.
Where does it stop? I've already seen the latest Nokias coming out with Norton Antivirus on them. Is anything safe? Should it be?
Heh, I'm presenting on some of this stuff in CT on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteIt is actually very easy to do. The codes for taking full control of a mobile phone are freely published. For example Nokia's command reference is available at:
http://ncsp.forum.nokia.com/download/?asset_id=11579;ref=devx
The 'security' comes in on whether you accept a connection or not. So esentially everytime you accept a bluetooth, infrared or (in some cases) wireless connection a person can take full control of your phone (read/send sms, check battery charge, set call diverting etc.)
The scary thing is many malls and advertising companies are sending ads by bluetooth, so it is dead easy to trick the average person into accepting your connection; just rename your phone/laptop to the name of a mall you're standing in and send someone a message about a prize and discounts in a mall. They'll accept your next connection :)
The lesson: turn off bluetooth, infrared and wireless when you're not using it, and don't accept connections from strangers.
And then condomise...
ReplyDeleteThe 'security' comes in on whether you accept a connection or not. So esentially everytime you accept a bluetooth, infrared or (in some cases) wireless connection a person can take full control of your phone (read/send sms, check battery charge, set call diverting etc.)
ReplyDelete