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iPhone Security Threats

Matthew Olivolo August 1st, 2008

iPhone with Wireless Security Shield Logo

I am a proud owner of the new 16GB iPhone 3G. Yes, I waited in a long line and actually had AT&T rake me over the coals for a new contract, and surprisingly enough I am still a satisfied customer.

The technology built into this phone is amazing. However, what I found out is the iPhone is just as vulnerable to being hacked into as other SmartPhones. Using the Bluetooth functionality, when pairing two Bluetooth devices you are vulnerable to having your phone hacked into with even knowing it.

Paris Hilton had her T-Mobile Side Kick hacked into exposing all of her contacts, photos, and any other personal data she had on the phone. This can happen to anyone including corporate executives.

Hackers can quickly steal all the information loaded on your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or PDA without even being detected. Even worse, a virus called Cabir distributes itself through Bluetooth connections and attacks the Symbian operating system used by several makers of mobile phones, including Nokia.

Editors from The New York Times, PC Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED Magazine and scores of other publications have all written stories regarding these threats. There are four “known” attack methods a predator can make on wireless phones and PDAs. Those methods are Bluesnarfing, the Backdoor attack, Bluebugging, and Bluejacking.

Bluesnarf attack – hacker connects to the device without alerting the owner, and gains access to their phone book, images, their calendar entries, and any stored data.

Backdoor attack - connects to the wireless device during the Bluetooth “pairing” stage allowing immediate access to file transfers and Internet access, all undetected by the device owner. The “pairing” stage is where Bluetooth devices authenticate each other.

Bluebug attack - creates a serial profile connection to the device giving full access to then use the phone to initiate calls to premium rate numbers, send and read text messages, and even monitor phone conversations of the phone owner.

Bluejacking - hacker sends anonymous text messages in public places abusing the Bluetooth “pairing” protocol. Bluejacking has become so popular there is even a website devoted to hackers boasting about how they hacked a new phone that day (www.bluejackq.com).

Fortunately, Mobile Edge identified this security threat and now provides built in technology to protect against such viruses and Bluetooth hackers alike. Exclusively offered by Mobile Edge, the Wireless Security Shield™ accessories pocket is Zinc lined and blocks out electromagnetic waves and radio frequencies, therefore shielding your wireless device from unwanted wireless access. This technology was originally developed by NASA and is now exclusively offered by Mobile Edge. The Wireless Security Shield™ is built into several new laptop carrying cases providing fundamental security needed in today’s fast paced, unsecured, identity theft environment.

Click here for more information…

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