Spyware Location on Phone, SIM, or Memory

**PhoneCurious** · 01-26-2010 02:47 PM

I have a 5310 and it was recently out of site while I was sleeping. During the night it started beeping for seemed no reason. As it turned out, it was alerting me to every incoming gmail AND and "@" symbol became a fixture on the main screen. As for settings, I don't stay logged to email. It's only accessed when needed. I called customer service who told me there was a problem with the phone and they were sending a replacement. I had to take my sim and memory card and transfer them to the new phone. I'm no longer getting the email alerts, but am still having the period odd things happen. Some days the battery seems to run out faster when my usage seems about the same. Another reason for suspicion is that internet usage seems to kick me out in patterns different than the previous 5310. The thing that really got my attention was when yesterday, the loud speaker on the phone turned on. I could hear what sounded like someone fumbling in their office. No voices or anything else, but the phone was definitely picking up something.

Questions:
1 - Is it possible that if the phone had spyware installed, it transfered with either the memory or sim cards?

2 - Is it possible the new phone may have spyware from a previous owner?

3 - If I start from scratch with new carrier & purchase used phone, is it possible that phone may have spyware?

Thanks for the input!

**spyphoneguy** · 02-19-2010 10:01 AM

HI PhoneCurious,

Here are a few answers to your questions.

1) The commercial spyware sold for Nokia cell phones are installed on the phone itself and NOT the SIM card.

2) It is possible the new phone might have spyware installed. If I were you, I'd take it to a service center and have them reinstall the OS. This will essentially wipe any spy app on your phone.

3) Just take your phone to a service center and have them reinstall the OS. Same applies to a used phone you purchase.

Hope this helps.

SPG

**PhoneCurious** · 03-20-2010 03:45 PM

I've spoken with an engineer from my mobile carrier & confirmed there is evidence of spyware on the phone. Once he realized I wasn't an employee, he got off the phone QUICKLY. So, I may have something new. He recommended as you did to have the OS re-installed.

Two things to note:

1) the cell was replaced and the problem persisted. I suspect the spyware was not just on the phone. When the new phone came, the carrier had me keep BOTH my old SIM AND the old microSD. My suspicions is that it's also loaded on one of those.

2) I know how to resolve the problem of spying. However, I suspect I know the person who loaded it and I need evidence. I need someone who can either identify a number my phone is sending info TO or, a number that my phone is allowing to dial into it. Why isn't this being addressed by any of the security companies or software packages? This is a HUGE violation of privacy & the ability to take legal action is empowering to the victim. Can anyone suggest a resource for this?

**spyphoneguy** · 03-21-2010 12:57 PM

Hi PhoneCurious,

If you disable your GPRS (data connection) does the problem still persist?

There is not any known commercial spy phone software that can install on the SIM card or micro SD. It is possible to install a virus or something similar on these, but it's not something easily found and/or purchased.

I would suggest taking your phone to a cell phone forensic examiner in your area. They can analyze the phone and hopefully find whatever is on your phone.

Just an FYI, I did read recently that some phones have been shipped with malware/spyware from the manufacturers. It only has happened in two reported cases, but who knows, maybe you are the third?

Here is a link to the article.

Malware found on another HTC Magic smartphone | Mobilize - InfoWorld

SPG

Thread: Spyware Location on Phone, SIM, or Memory

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

Spyware Location on Phone, SIM, or Memory

Updated Info

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions