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3 Hardware Trojans in Electronic Devices
In this case, mobile phone of the tapped objects can be remotely switched to the
transmission mode by means of calling. This mode cannot be acoustically or visually
recognized by the user of the phone. In this state, the attacked phone provides the
intruder with everything that user says, as well as all conversations in the user’s
proximity. Mobile phones Nokia 3210 and 5110 are well suited for tapping, since
the top and bottom parts of the case of Nokia 3210 are removable; in 5110, the top
part of the case can also be easily removed.
In order to prevent the phone from giving out any revealing signs of a call upon activation, it is necessary either to disconnect the dynamic, or to activate the silent mode
using keyboard programming. Display flashing during calls shall also be deactivated.
There is no doubt that a mobile phone is not as convenient for voice listening as
a mini spy. However, it can be “lost” or “forgotten” under the target’s bed, which
can always be convincingly explained. However, it is necessary to remember at all
times that the SIM card installed in every mobile phone stores information about the
owner. It stores the phone number and the PIN code in the electronic form. Without
this card, the phone can only be used for emergency calls.
The main advantage of using mobile phones as mini spies consists in the fact that
it is possible at any point of the world. Such audio interception can be performed
in all countries with GSM networks. Of course, modified phones can be used
conventionally as well.
3.3.5.3 Mobile Phone with an Embedded Mini Spy in the Battery
Section
Embedding a mini spy into the electronic part of a mobile phone is very problematic
due to limited space. The only remaining option is the battery section; in this case,
the battery is replaced with a smaller one, and the mini spy installed in the free space
(Fig. 3.12). Of course, it has to look as if nothing has been changed.
3.3.5.4 Determining Mobile Phone Position Using Three-Point Position
Finding
Of course, the legal basis for listening and position finding must be the presence of a
serious crime in the actions of the suspect. This gravity is determined by prosecutors
and investigating authorities. In any case, grave crimes include kidnapping murder,
drug dealing, and blackmailing. In any of these cases, the provider shall, at request of
the investigation authorities, provide the police with all information about relevant
conversations. Moreover, the police will identify the base station linked to the mobile
phone. These data ensure the possibility of exact localization of the mobile phone,
i.e., finding its position.
In order to determine the exact position of a mobile phone, data from three
neighboring base stations are required (Fig. 3.13).
3 Hardware Trojans in Electronic Devices
In this case, mobile phone of the tapped objects can be remotely switched to the
transmission mode by means of calling. This mode cannot be acoustically or visually
recognized by the user of the phone. In this state, the attacked phone provides the
intruder with everything that user says, as well as all conversations in the user’s
proximity. Mobile phones Nokia 3210 and 5110 are well suited for tapping, since
the top and bottom parts of the case of Nokia 3210 are removable; in 5110, the top
part of the case can also be easily removed.
In order to prevent the phone from giving out any revealing signs of a call upon activation, it is necessary either to disconnect the dynamic, or to activate the silent mode
using keyboard programming. Display flashing during calls shall also be deactivated.
There is no doubt that a mobile phone is not as convenient for voice listening as
a mini spy. However, it can be “lost” or “forgotten” under the target’s bed, which
can always be convincingly explained. However, it is necessary to remember at all
times that the SIM card installed in every mobile phone stores information about the
owner. It stores the phone number and the PIN code in the electronic form. Without
this card, the phone can only be used for emergency calls.
The main advantage of using mobile phones as mini spies consists in the fact that
it is possible at any point of the world. Such audio interception can be performed
in all countries with GSM networks. Of course, modified phones can be used
conventionally as well.
3.3.5.3 Mobile Phone with an Embedded Mini Spy in the Battery
Section
Embedding a mini spy into the electronic part of a mobile phone is very problematic
due to limited space. The only remaining option is the battery section; in this case,
the battery is replaced with a smaller one, and the mini spy installed in the free space
(Fig. 3.12). Of course, it has to look as if nothing has been changed.
3.3.5.4 Determining Mobile Phone Position Using Three-Point Position
Finding
Of course, the legal basis for listening and position finding must be the presence of a
serious crime in the actions of the suspect. This gravity is determined by prosecutors
and investigating authorities. In any case, grave crimes include kidnapping murder,
drug dealing, and blackmailing. In any of these cases, the provider shall, at request of
the investigation authorities, provide the police with all information about relevant
conversations. Moreover, the police will identify the base station linked to the mobile
phone. These data ensure the possibility of exact localization of the mobile phone,
i.e., finding its position.
In order to determine the exact position of a mobile phone, data from three
neighboring base stations are required (Fig. 3.13).