Cell Phone Hacking

Cell phone hacking does occur, but not as frequently as computer hacking. Hacking is the intent to load viruses or spyware, obtain passwords or personal information, or cause general electronic mayhem. While hacking a computer is much easier, cell phone hacking is done, but isn't as prevalent.

Hackers are limited when it comes to cell phone hacking. Some of the main limits are:

Most cell phones don't have an operating system like Windows. While smartphones can have a computer-like operating system, the majority have different operating systems like Andriod or Symbian. Hackers attempt to find flaws in an operating system, which makes a cell phone or computer vulnerable to attack. Because there are a large number of cell phone operating systems, a flaw in one system may not be the same flaw in another.

Having physical control of the user's cell phone is critical if software is meant to be installed on it. The only problem with that is that if one finds that their cell phone has been hacked, a family member or friend is usually the culprit. That said, they may not have done anything advanced or dangerous. With the advent of Bluetooth technology, connecting to a cell phone has made hacking easier, but detection is more apparent.

The cell phone networks aren't that fast to work with, especially compared to broadband Internet. Wireless speed is getting better and faster, but trying to obtain large packets of data, like personal information, increases the chances of getting caught.

What could be on your cell phone that a hacker wants? Maybe a hacker is just curious and wants to see those text messages or view some of your pictures. But that's not all.

• GPS. Since many cell phones have a GPS chip embedded within the phone, a hacker can possibly determine your location. This in turn lets them find out places you go, like home or work.
• Voicemail. It may seem impossible at first, but when you find out how, you'll see that just about anyone can do it. Hackers use what's called "spoofing" to make a call to your wireless provider to access voicemail and other functions. The providers allow a cell phone user to use what's called a skip passcode option that lets someone bypass the passcode entry to get to all kinds of functions like checking your voicemail. Hackers dial in and spoof your phone, which means they trick the automated system into thinking it's your phone, which is the safest way to call in anyway. They can change your passcode, listen to you voicemail and even add additional services to your contract.
• Contact List. A hacker can obtain and download all your contacts. In 2005, Paris Hilton's phone was hacked and all her contacts stolen. People on her contact list received prank calls for months afterwards.
• Getting general personal information. Text messages, pictures, video: they are all vulnerable to getting stolen if cell phone hacking happens. This is akin to spyware stealing your passwords on your computer or a hacker seeking out all your private stuff in those folders you thought you had hidden away well.
• Speakerphone or Spycam. A truly inventive hacker may hijack your phone in order to use the camera or speakerphone to spy visually and audibly.

You can, but be assured that you don't have nearly as much to worry about as with your computer. Hackers almost need the perfect atmosphere to hack into your phone. A couple of obvious signs should help you determine if you are being hacked.

1. Does someone want to sync with you via Bluetooth? Since you have to accept the pairing, you can always decline if you don't know the phone number or device.
2. If your phone consistently locks up, a virus program may be installed on your computer. If you have a smartphone, then you just need to hook it up to a computer and have your virus program scan it, since most programs include a cell phone scan feature or at least offer one as an additional purchase.
3. Does your cell phone perform weird functions like your phone locking the keypad even though you have that turned off? Again, the phone may have a virus on it.

If you think you've been hacked, remove the battery and take it the nearest store of your provider so they can determine if the phone has been hacked. Then, they can take the necessary steps to eliminate the issue.

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