| Due to the structure of the mobile | | | | phone signal, they can dissect it to steal, |
| communications system, cellular phones are | | | | and clone the phone's identification numbers |
| significantly more vulnerable to "cellular | | | | - the ESN and the MIN. Once this information |
| hacks" than other types of phones.The two | | | | has been stolen, they can program it in to |
| major dangers with mobile communications are | | | | their own phones, and start billing straight |
| eavesdropping, and rebilling.On analog | | | | to your account. This type of cellular |
| networks (which, as of late, have been | | | | criminal is refered to as a 'cloner,' as they |
| replaced with the two types of digital | | | | clone the identification numbers.Protecting |
| networks: CDMA and GSM) anyone within range | | | | yourself against Rebilling is slightly more |
| with a scanner could pick up your cellular | | | | difficult than eavesdropping. The cellular |
| signal, and listen to what you are | | | | networks have done a lot to increase the |
| discussing. With the recent move towards CDMA | | | | difficulty of the cloner's job, however, |
| and GSM digital networks, calls are encrypted | | | | cloning is still happening. Disabling |
| for your protection, though, eavesdroppers | | | | "roaming" support on your cell phone is one |
| with the right patience can still decrypt | | | | easy way to eliminate much of the risk of |
| these calls, and listen in on your | | | | cloning, cloners like roaming-enabled phones, |
| conversation.Protecting one's self against | | | | as it is difficult for cellular networks to |
| eavesdropping is quite simple - consider your | | | | track roaming-enabled phones and shut them |
| cellular phone as a handheld radio | | | | down for fraudulent use. Other than limiting |
| broadcasting station (as, that is effectively | | | | your roaming usage, protecting yourself |
| what it is) and don't say anything | | | | against rebilling is likely a lost cause - |
| confidential. It's unsafe practice to blindly | | | | instead, you should ensure you review all |
| trust any communication medium, and always | | | | your cellular bills, and report calls to your |
| important to remember that neither cellular | | | | service provider.Adam X. Knife is a |
| communications, nor landline communications | | | | technology enthusiast who runs a range of |
| are infinitely secure - both have hundreds of | | | | technology and communications related |
| faults and potential exploits which should be | | | | websites, including the immensely popular |
| considered.The second type of cellular fraud | | | | exeLibrary Windows Process Information |
| is called Rebilling, or fraudulent billing. | | | | database, and a set of cell phone review and |
| When a criminal gets a hold of your cell | | | | long distance phone carriers review sites. |