[LINK] FBI taps cell phone mic as eavesdropping tool

[Adam Todd]

At 10:59 AM 3/12/2006, Ash Nallawalla wrote:
> >
> >
>http://news.com.com/FBI+taps+cell+phone+mic+as+eavesdropping+tool/2100-1029_
>3-6140191.html?tag=nefd.lede
>
> > > Security-conscious corporate executives routinely
> > > remove the batteries from their cell phones, he added.
>
>Really?  So the power-off switch can be overridden during this covert
>eavesdropping mode and the display looks blank, keypad lights stay off, etc?

Actually yes.  I can run a java applette on my Z1010 that records all 
sounds to it's internal sound recorder and onto the memory stick.

I can even go through the elaborate performance of "See my phone is 
switching off now, see there you go, it's off."

The moment my phone is turned "off" it's actually in simulated "off" mode, 
won't take an incoming call, can make an outgoing call (which is recorded) 
and automatically starts recording.

>They'd be better off carrying one of the older models that needed a cable to
>be programmed.

Well most people these days use Bluetooth.  You don't have to be far away 
to crack into that either :)