DavidB let me know about these two little applications that really kind of scare me. The BlackBerry is pretty impenetrable to attacks but software can be installed on a BlackBerry to let you do some pretty scary stuff.
For example, there is a FREE application called PhoneSnoop that lets you dial into the infected BlackBerry and use it as a remote bug. The application will automatically answer the phone and turn on the speakerphone letting you listen into what the victim is doing. It shows no indication that it is doing so on the BlackBerry which is kind of scary… Check it out at this link or more info at this link.
The second is called FlexiSPY pro and was featured on The Register. This app takes things one step further with its $249 price tag and lets you not only perform remote listening along with reading the infected BlackBerrys emails, SMS, call logs, and GPS location.
Crazy stuff!!! I wish RIM would let you password protect certain features on the phone like being able to install applications…
jonp Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 2:22 PM EST
The free one doesn’t work on my Bold running 5.0.0.314
Jason Emerick Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 2:24 PM EST
There is an option to prompt for password on application install under options > password.
I have it enabled and to install any application on my BlackBerry, you have to enter the correct password.
You also be able to restrict an applications permissions as well, which would limit its access to certain phone features such as GPS or the phone.
Jason Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 2:26 PM EST
Doesn’t the bb give you the option to prompt for a password on application install?
Options, Password?
Nikolaus Walch ( View Profile) Enthusiast - Posts: 601
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 3:12 PM EST
I got it to work on my 8900 (5.0.0.314) but only if I called from a number that was not already in my address book i.e. my desk number. I used a different phone in my office that is not in my address book and got the following result. Phone did vibrate like normal just once, and saw number flash up onto the screen. Just as advertised speaker phone came on and homescreen back up again. I was now listening to the surrounding environment, but there was a small icon I’ve never seen before displayed on the homescreen that looked like I was on a call, so the disguise is not 100%. Second the call is 2-way so any noice I as the listener made was sent through. On one hand scary, on the other a bit lame. Interesting for a free app
wowza Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 3:30 PM EST
Is that correct? $249, wow talk about over priced….I’ve seen apps with similar functionality…reading and recording emails/sms etc. on the stores for under $5. Hard to justify an extra $244 for the same technology. I hope this is a misprint and it’s $2.49.
casper663 ( View Profile) Beginner - Posts: 236
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 3:39 PM EST
phonescoop is like one of the feature SmrtGuard offers remote listening.
spy phone software Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 4:02 PM EST
$249 is correct…for Flexispy’s price. there is another app from a company called Mobile Spy that was released yesterday which sells for $49 bucks that has gps tracking, reading sms messages, and a few more other things.. you can read info on both at http://www.spyphoneguy.com .
wowza Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 9:12 PM EST
$49 is still overpriced. Think of all the apps that pop up email and sms. There’s a blackbook app that hides all the communication on your phone for like $4. other than actually sending this information somewhere it does the exact same thing. Should it really cost $45 to have the feature to transmit this intercepted information somewhere? This is just crazy.
ShvartzBerry ( View Profile) Enthusiast - Posts: 288
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 4:12 PM EST
Looks like PhoneSnoop is getting some press.
Derek Brown ( View Profile) Enthusiast - Posts: 264
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 4:31 PM EST
I installed it on my Tour, and the listener seemed to work fine. It still rings for a second or two (or vibrates, depending on your profile settings), then answers the call, puts it on speakerphone, and shows the Home Screen. It’s pretty obvious that you are in a call, so I don’t see how this could be used to spy on someone…unless their phone calls are set to silent.
DavidB ( View Profile) Guru - Posts: 1751
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 8:02 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9530
Anybody remember: http://www.berryreview.com/2009/08/13/palm-pre-spying-on-users-are-blackberry-users-safe/
Thomas Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 8:21 PM EST
I dont get why it turns the phone on speaker…it should just leave it on the ear piece so the person you are listening to cant hear you. It is pretty obvious when your phone goes to speaker because you hear static and crap. Its kinda cool i guess but here is the major FLAW. How many people do you know with BB’s, cuz I know a lot….now how many people do you know with BB’s that either always have them in their hand, or notice when anything makes a peep on their phone? I know A LOT. This app would never work on me because i would notice the hint of ring or the call status icon. Just my thoughts though.
haephaestus Not Registered
Posted: October 27, 2009 at 10:44 PM EST
This would make an pretty nifty way to track down that lost or stolen phone.
Nick Not Registered
Posted: October 28, 2009 at 12:22 AM EST
The free one is the one that makes me nervous. This is why I don’t let suspicious strangers in trench coats “play” with my BB
FOSSroxTHX Not Registered
Posted: October 28, 2009 at 10:24 PM EST from my BlackBerry 8330
Everyone is looking at this as something to be used against instead of for you. I can imagine several scenarios where I might “accidentally” leave my BB in a room then call it from another phone to hear what is going on in that room.
Manly Not Registered
Posted: January 18, 2010 at 12:43 PM EST
The free spy phone software didnt work for me either. I did find a cool video about spy phones here.
http://freespyphone.com
Take a look.