Free download turns BlackBerry into remote bugging device

General Topics
1
Coming to a handset near you

A free software program released Thursday turns everyday BlackBerry smartphones into remote bugging devices.


http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/22/rim_blackberry_bugging_software/

2

I can’t believe it :o

Dubbed PhoneSnoop by creator Sheran Gunasekera, the software sits quietly on a targeted BlackBerry and monitors the phone number of each incoming call. When it detects a number set up in the program's preferences section, it silently turns on the speakerphone, allowing an attacker to monitor all conversations within earshot of the device.
3

I don’t need an expensive BlackBerry device to rub someone the wrong way as cheaper bugging methods are available.

4

Isn’t that an oxymoron? ;D

Wouldn’t you notice that the speakerphone is activated?

5

people probably would, in a general way, but that must still be pretty annoying :smiley: …having to turn the speaker off when you never wanted it on in the first place.