Small Business Technology News
Business Users Warned Of BlackBerry PhoneSnoop Spying App
Written by Jenna Weiner
Published: 10/28/2009
BlackBerry app can spy on phone conversations.
BlackBerry users are being warned about a free application called PhoneSnoop that is a security risk because it allows a third party to listen in on private phone conversations.
The BlackBerry smartphone has become one of the most useful communication tools for business users, but the creator of the app said he wanted people to know that there are security risks and their smartphones can be taken over by spyware just like other computers can.
CNET News reported that an Indonesian security researcher created the app not to spy on people but to show that it could be used maliciously. But the U.S. government's computer security group, US-CERT, is not concerned with the researcher's intentions.
The technology news for entrepreneurs is that downloading any application for a smartphone poses risks - small business users worried about the propriety of information on their phone should be cautious.
Spam emails containing malware can also infect BlackBerrys and other smartphones, so users should only open attachments in emails from trusted contacts. And although plenty of BlackBerry apps can help small business productivity, only approved or verified apps should be trusted.
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