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Blackberry "Spy" Software Released

Posted by Zonk on from the pack-a-toothbrush dept.

Noryungi writes "Maybe the French were on to something after all. It turns out that there is a software available to easily spy on Blackberries, recording voice conversations and all messages (emails or SMS text message) that transmit through the portable device. Of course, the software has to be installed by the owner of the Blackberry, but it would not be surprising to find out that someone has found a way to silently auto-install that software on RIM devices. ZDNet reports that RIM isn't concerned: 'Ian Robertson, senior manager of security and research at RIM, said users need not be particularly worried about the capability of FlexiSPY. "While it's the subject of some debate, I don't consider it a virus nor a Trojan, as it does require conscientious effort from the user to load the program," he said. Robertson said an average user that maintains good [gadget] hygiene would never see the software loaded onto their device without their knowledge.'"

6 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. hm by nawcom · · Score: 1, Funny

    Paris Hilton: back in business.

  2. Since when can software only be installed by owner by alcmaeon · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Of course, the software has to be installed by the owner of the Blackberry"

    If this is true, RIM should go into the software security business and drop this whole phone thing altogether.

  3. Null set by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    >an average user that maintains good [gadget] hygiene

    SELECT id,name FROM averageusers WHERE good_gadge_hygiene=TRUE;

    0 ROW(s) returned.

  4. iNSA by Doc+Ruby · · Score: 3, Funny

    I love it when people release these spy tools publicly. Finally "Joe Mousepad" can catch up with the NSA, and spy on his neighbors.

    "Suspicion Breeds Confidence"

    --

    --
    make install -not war

  5. Quick by bryan1945 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Call Homeland Security! We have a Level 5 Fruit Alert!

    --
    Vote monkeys into Congress. They are cheaper and more trustworthy.
  6. Listening through the microphone by rickthewizkid · · Score: 3, Funny

    Well, most people I know keep their blackberry in the holster when they are not talking on them... and if someone holsters it on their right side, its probably rotated forward so the top of the device faces forward. This means that the microphone is pointed toward the person's ass.

    Are you sure you *really* want to hear what that microphone picks up? Especially *after* lunch?

    -Rick