A Current Affair’s program this week on a mobile phone spying application has highlighted the importance of mobile phone owners taking measures to protect their phones and using handset security measures to guard against unauthorized access.

The Channel 9 program highlighted a new spyware application that can give unauthorized and illegal access to all calls, text messages, and track the location of the mobile phone user without their knowledge.

Use of this spyware is illegal and perpetrators face severe penalties for breaches of privacy and illegal surveillance if caught.

The software works by tapping into the mobile’s core hardware and sends data it collects back to a central server.

It is important to understand that the only way that the spyware can be installed on a phone is manually by someone with access to the handset.

There are some key issues consumers should be aware of: 

• Don’t leave mobile unattended: This highlights the importance of consumers in denying unauthorized access to their phones. Phones are valuable and contain personal and sensitive information. People should treat them in the same way they look after their wallets and other valuable items.
  
  
   
• Use mobile’s security features to protect yourself: People should use their phones security devices – passwords or PIN locks – to protect themselves. Your phone has security features which allow you to stop others using your phone – for example, you can set a Personal Identification Number (PIN) number which must be entered before anyone can use the phone. Read your handset User Guide to find out what features your phone has and use them.
  
   
• Anti-virus: Even though spyware is not considered a virus, some anti-virus software for mobiles treats it as if it was a virus. Consider anti-virus software. Some software is available to prevent phone viruses. You may wish to consider downloading this software. 

See AMTA’s consumer tips  protect your mobile against viruses and keep your mobile safe