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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.'"

4 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. Re:The part should make everyone very concerned by afidel · · Score: 2, Informative

    In a well run operation you wouldn't be ABLE to install this software, BES has policies to prevent you from installing unapproved software available to the BES administrator.

    --
    There are 4 boxes to use in the defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, ammo. Use in that order. Starting now.
  2. Not a problem for properly adminstered devices by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Which are connected to a BES.

    If an administrator does not wish want people installing software on their phones, there is an option in the security profiles to disable this ability.
    If an administrator does not want people to run already installed applications on their phones, there are options to disable it.

  3. Check your sources - it can't record calls! by rand0md00d · · Score: 2, Informative

    It is worth pointing out that the program itself doesn't claim to record phonecalls, but rather to use the phone as a 'bug'. It does this by silently answering a telephone call from a defined number. ...from the FAQ...(http://www.flexispy.com/faq.htm) "What is remote monitoring? Remote Listening is for FlexiSPY PRO only. You set a special spy call number in FlexiSPY. When a call comes into FlexiSPY from this number, the microphone will secretly switch on and you will be able to hear whatever the phone hears. If the phone is in use, or the user presses a key, the spy call will be disconnected Can I listen to phone conversations? When PRO-X is released, this will be possible" Announceware doesn't count.

  4. Re:France's reasons not related by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative
    Actually, neither of you are right, for a number of reasons:
    • A government would certainly not be using the free blackberry.net service, but a proper BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
    • All of the data is encrypted. Sniff it all you want... but then what?
    • European traffic never gets routed to North America, unless it's to contact someone in that region. There is a European data centre as well.