[LINK] FBI taps cell phone mic as eavesdropping tool

[Adam Todd]

At 08:57 PM 2/12/2006, Kim Holburn wrote:
>http://news.com.com/FBI+taps+cell+phone+mic+as+eavesdropping+tool/ 
>2100-1029_3-6140191.html?tag=nefd.lede
>
>Because modern handsets are miniature computers, downloaded
>>software could modify the usual interface that always displays when
>>a call is in progress. The spyware could then place a call to the
>>FBI and activate the microphone--all without the owner knowing it
>>happened. (The FBI declined to comment on Friday.)

Only work for a month at the most!  When you get the phone bill you'll see 
all these weird calls to numbers you didn't call!

(Or if you use web access to check your bills!)

Or will the FBI access the billing systems and remove the numbers too!

>>"If a phone has in fact been modified to act as a bug, the only way
>>to counteract that is to either have a bugsweeper follow you around
>>24-7, which is not practical, or to peel the battery off the
>>phone,"

What you can't afford a $75 RF detector that bleeps and flashes when 
something within range transmits?  I have one I wear at ALL times!

Hotspot detectors are great for this and fit on your keyring.  They pick up 
any transmission within a sensitivity range from 2 Mhz to 30 GHz (depending 
on the model and price you are willing to pay)  some even have audio 
output!  Not that this will assist in a GSM situation.

>>Atkinson said. Security-conscious corporate executives
>>routinely remove the batteries from their cell phones, he added.

Usually it's best to leave the battery in and talk about the great sex you 
had with random people the day before.  If you have a willing partner make 
lots of orgasmic noises.

This has worked a treat for us in our bedroom.  The listening device has 
been there three years!  We love it!