ralph2007

The problem is when technology is created for government use to surveil criminals it does not stay long as a government only technology.  If this backdoor is placed into the phones software it will only be a matter of time before non-government entities will have access to it as well.
 
Stingray (Harris corp) is an IMSI catcher device. This device acts like a cell phone tower and is able to locate, tap, retrieve information from cell phones as well as change the phone’s settings.  These devices have become widely used by law enforcement to track criminals and retrieve information from their phones.  The problem is that while this was once only available to law enforcement it is now available to everyone and will no doubt be used in some criminal activity.  You can find videos on YouTube on how to build these devices.  There are now a number of companies that make these devices such as PKI and Septier. IMSI catchers can be bought directly online from China for $1800.00.

Cell phone spying software is another example.  This software has the ability to track, read emails and texts as well as remotely turn on the microphone and camera.  This technology has not remained out of other’s hands.  Users of this technology include jealous admirers, criminals and many companies are issuing company cell phones and tablets with this type of software on them to their employees. Cell phone spying software is available for as little as 50 dollars through the internet for anyone to buy. A Google search for cell phone spying software gives lots of results.

A cell phone can be stopped from IMSI intrusion, tracking and acting as a bugging device if it is placed in a Faraday Cage. A Faraday cage is a metal or conductive envelope that completely surrounds the electronic device and stops signals from going into or out of the cage.  This can be accomplished by making a pouch out of a metallized ie conductive fabric. Search Youtube for detracktor for a demonstration.