The biggest scandal to hit the tech world in a long time is unfolding as we speak. It was discovered this week that 142 million cell phones are infected with spying software called “Carrier IQ,” manufactured by a company of the same name. It records and transmits every phone call you make, every keystroke, every text message and maybe even every photograph you take. It is hidden in the operating system of the phone using rootkit technology, making it virtually impossible to find unless you are an expert using special tools. You will not find it as an installed application, even if it is present.
Here is what we know so far: Most Apple iPhones contain the spyware; cell carriers AT&T and Sprint, both admit they install it in phones; Verizon says they do not install it in any of their phones…ditto for Microsoft in their Windows Phones. It has been found in Blackberry phones, but the company denies ever putting it in. It is very prevalent in most Android phones, except perhaps those from Verizon, although that has not been verified yet. The bottom line is there is a very good chance your cell phone is infected with this spying software, even though you never gave your permission.
Every day, new revelations about Carrier IQ are forthcoming. The company itself says the software helps phone carriers monitor what is happening on their networks to help make improvements. At this point, we are not exactly sure the extent of the data the company has and how they use it. When the fellow who uncovered the spyware went public, Carrier IQ threatened immediate legal action if he didn’t stop publishing his articles. When the Electronic Frontier Foundation entered the picture, Carrier IQ immediately backpedaled on their threats and began their public relations campaign to look saintly.
Members of Congress are now involved and are speculating that the software may be in violation of privacy laws, making Carrier IQ open for criminal prosecution.
I plan to keep you informed of new revelations as they come forth. And, just so you know its not all gloom and doom out there, I have included a few other stories with more positive content. -JRC
So, there's a rootkit hidden in millions of cellphones
So, it seems that there is a rootkit hidden in millions of Android, Symbian, BlackBerry, webOS and even iOS handset that logs everything we do. You have to be kidding, but its true. How dare they do this!!!!
Carrier IQ: The Sony rootkit all over again
Can someone legally record almost everything you do on your phone without telling you? Yes. Meet Carrier IQ, whose software is installed on nearly 142 million handsets
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Finding and cleaning out your smartphone’s Carrier IQ poison
Millions of iPhones, Android and other smartphones have the Carrier IQ spyware rootkit in them. Here’s how to find it and try to zap it.
Google future-proofs your e-mail, documents from spies
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