Mobile phone security in the spotlight

The scandal over the alleged bugging of royal phones has highlighted the security weaknesses of mobile handsets.

The PIN codes that protect voicemail can be sidestepped by special 'skeleton key' codes used by technicians for account maintenance but which might be used to access messages illicitly.

Also at risk are mobile phone users who don't change their voicemail PIN when they first purchase a mobile telephone, leaving it at a common, easy to guess combination.

Data stored in a handet's calendar, phone book and message pad may be stolen over a Bluetooth link, in a process nicknamed 'bluesnarfing', provided the device is configured to be 'discoverable' other Bluetooth devices within range.

Keeping your phone 'hidden', or turning Bluetooth on only when using it, can prevent to such attacks.

It has been two years since the first mobile phone virus, Cabir, was discovered. It exploited a weakness in the Symbian operating system and spread to other phones via Bluetooth connections.

Cabir didn't actually harm data on phones it infected; it was released as a proof of concept designed to heighten awareness.

See also:

McAfee repeats Wifi security warning

WPA vulnerable unless you take care, insists security firm after accusations of scaremongering  09 Aug 2006

Bluetooth to hit 100Mbits/sec

Adoption of Intel-backed UWB wireless clears path for products within two years  28 Mar 2006

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