We were recently asked here at how to prevent a cell phone from becoming a mobile spy. No one wants to be a victim of a bad guy eavesdropping on their conversations or their life through a cell phone listening device and we can detect it using cellphone forensics.
At this time, there isn’t any 100% surefire method to prevent spyware on cell phones. However, there are a few things that would prevent cell phone surveillance:
- Understand the SIM Card. A SIM card is a microchip about the size of a postage stamp that is usually located adjacent to the batter in a mobile phone. The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is used to identify and authenticate the user of the mobile phone. That’s why a SIM card can be removed from one device and placed into another. It also stores the service-subscriber key (IMSI). Removing the SIM card makes a phone inoperable in making and receiving calls. Tracking a phone without a SIM card is not possible. So, yes, removing the SIM card means that your phone cannot be subject to cell phone eavesdropping – but that also means you can’t use it either.
- Remove the battery. Everyone knows that the battery powers the phone. I don’t think there’s a person who hasn’t had their phone go completely dead and shut off. Removing the battery means that no one can find you using cell phone tracking. Again, it also means that you can’t use the phone, either.
Neither option is all that appealing, is it? Your best bet is to be ultra-vigilant about what you accept and open on your phone and, more importantly, about providing access to your phone either knowingly or inadvertently to prevent cellphone spyware from being installed on your device.
Never leave your phone lying out on a desk or table and walk away. Likewise, don’t slide it into a jacket pocket or purse and then walk away. Anyone who is watching and wants access will see exactly where the phone goes. It should go with you.
If you suspect spyware has been installed on your phone, cell phone hack detection is a process best undertaken by professionals using cell phone forensics tools and phone forensic software. Analysts in our lab are experts in mobile phone spyware detection – and they’re happy to perform the task for your peace of mind.
But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of mobile phone forensic analysis. Keep your phone safe by keeping it in your own hands and secure by knowing whose correspondence you are accepting and opening to prevent having to visit a cellphone forensic expert!
-Brenda McGinley, CEO, All in Investigations, All in Investigations
