Cellphone Privacy & Security in the News: Hacking GSM & Banning Blackberry Services

When it comes to technology, a concern for privacy and security always exists. Since the beginning of its public use, the Internet itself has continuously had its share of related issues. The social network giant, Facebook, can likely agree, as it is under constant scrutiny to keep its user's information private and secure. In a world that becomes more mobile dependent on such data services and traditional voice communication, there are forces on each side of the privacy and security fence battling for right and wrong.

In two separate stories this week through Yahoo! News, cell-phone privacy and security was a topic of interest.

On Saturday July 31st, it was reported that, Chris Paget, a hacker and security researcher was able to demonstrate his ability to intercept GSM cell-phone calls. The discussion and demonstration took place at the Las Vegas DefCon conference, where Paget displayed the ability with the assistance of audience members and their phones. Although it isn't the latest and greatest technology (ie. 3G/4G), GSM, which is considered as 2G is still widely used. Paget built a device used in his demonstration that fools nearby cell phones into thinking that it is a legitimate cell-phone tower. As the phone reaches out to the tower for a connection, the calls can then be logged and recorded. Although such devices have been around for some time and can be used by law enfordement, Chris Paget's device proved that anyone such as a hobbyist could dangerously build one themselves.

In other news, it was reported that he UAE said on Sunday it will block key features of BlackBerry smart phones. The reason? National security concerns; the devices operate beyond the government's ability to monitor their use. Neighboring Saudi Arabia promptly voiced its decision to do the same. The plan to do so could potentially stop hundreds of thousands of users in the Mideast from accessing their e-mail and the Web on such handsets starting in October. Experts note that doing such a thing results in "putting the federation's reputation as a business-friendly commercial and tourism hub at risk." Regulators have said that "the devices operate outside of laws put in place after their introduction in the country", the lack of compliance with established laws ultimately raises "judicial, social and national security concerns for the UAE."

Sources/ Resources:

Yahoo! News: Hacker builds $1,500 cell-phone tapping device

Yahoo! News: UAE, Saudi Arabia to block key BlackBerry services