The cell phones are the most used tech gadgets in the world. With the increasing number of service providers and new models of cell phones available in the market it is easy for users to forget about the security issues of cell phones. Here are some security issues that can be trouble some.
1. Monitoring
It is illegal to listen to others phone calls, yet thieves and criminals use many tactics to listen to your phone conversations. It is surprising to us but it is very easy to listen to insecure phone conversations through digital data interpreter and radio frequency scanners. The conversation can be entirely heard and if the user gives any important information like bank details or passwords or social security numbers then the eavesdropper can write down this info and use it for criminal purposes.
2.Cloning
This is one major security issue of the cell phone. A thief can steal a cell phone service without really stealing a cell phone and this process is called cloning. A thief might hijack the electronic serial number also called ESN and mobile identification number or MIN of a cell phone while the user is using it. The thief then programs it into another cell phone replicating it to the original. This thief may use it illegally to make long distance calls or for other purposes and charge the expenses to the victims bill.
3.Microphone
It is another insecure feature of a cell phone. A thief can exploit by placing a special call to the victim’s phone and put it in maintenance mode. This connection makes the victim’s phone to act as a microphone and so conversation of the user can be eavesdropped on easily. The victim will not have the faintest idea until he tries to make a call and turns the phone off and on to use it. The thief can get hold of private info through this one way maintenance feature.
4.Securing your mobile
Users must take protective measures for the sake of their cell phone security. Phone should be turned off when not being used to prevent it from being used a microphone. Do not leave your cell phone unattended ever. If it is possible avoid using it in shopping malls, airports or other crowded locations as these places are often scanned for unprotected signals by hackers. Use personal identification number or PIN for your phone. This might consume some time every time you make a call but it is the best to be protected against cell phone cloning.
These are few security issues of cell phone that you must be aware of and how to be protected against them. Next time be more cautious!!!