3.3 Trojan Programs in Mobile Communication Systems
247
3.3.6.4 “Pefepent PDA” (“Referent PDA”) Device (Russia)
Software and hardware kit for protection of conversations in GSM networks.
Software and hardware product “Referent PDA” was designed for smartphone-like
devices using Windows Mobile 2003/2005 operating system. “Referent PDA” helped
prevent tapping of conversations between two communicators. The kit consisted of
an SD/miniSD module, software, and the Qtek-8500 module.
Interface of the program contained the dial-in field, call control buttons, last
digit cancel button and the indicator which displayed the dialed number, the caller’s
number during incoming calls, the state of establishing connection, etc.
The program was automatically launched upon connection of the SD/miniSD
module of the Referent PDA; right bottom corner of the communicator screen
displayed the symbol indicating operation of the program in the background mode.
In order to call another subscriber in the secure mode, it was necessary to press the
indication symbol in the Referent PDA program and perform the same actions as
during a regular call. When you receive a call from another kit, instead of opening
the phone program, Referent PDA automatically opens the Referent PDA interface;
all further actions are the same as during the normal call.
In the process of establishing connection, special information was exchanged for
mutual authentication of devices and generation of session keys.
Unprotected voice calls were implemented with the standard software of the
communicator.
The main difference of this Russian product from similar foreign products was
the utilization of the low-speed data transmission channel (up to 1600 bauds), which
ensured operation in case of a weak GSM signal (in poor reception areas), in roaming
mode, in case of using various operators, etc.
3.3.6.5 Invisible Phone (Russia)
Since it cannot be found on the Internet yet, but many users have already touched it,
let us just call it “the invisible phone (Fig. 3.15).”
247
3.3.6.4 “Pefepent PDA” (“Referent PDA”) Device (Russia)
Software and hardware kit for protection of conversations in GSM networks.
Software and hardware product “Referent PDA” was designed for smartphone-like
devices using Windows Mobile 2003/2005 operating system. “Referent PDA” helped
prevent tapping of conversations between two communicators. The kit consisted of
an SD/miniSD module, software, and the Qtek-8500 module.
Interface of the program contained the dial-in field, call control buttons, last
digit cancel button and the indicator which displayed the dialed number, the caller’s
number during incoming calls, the state of establishing connection, etc.
The program was automatically launched upon connection of the SD/miniSD
module of the Referent PDA; right bottom corner of the communicator screen
displayed the symbol indicating operation of the program in the background mode.
In order to call another subscriber in the secure mode, it was necessary to press the
indication symbol in the Referent PDA program and perform the same actions as
during a regular call. When you receive a call from another kit, instead of opening
the phone program, Referent PDA automatically opens the Referent PDA interface;
all further actions are the same as during the normal call.
In the process of establishing connection, special information was exchanged for
mutual authentication of devices and generation of session keys.
Unprotected voice calls were implemented with the standard software of the
communicator.
The main difference of this Russian product from similar foreign products was
the utilization of the low-speed data transmission channel (up to 1600 bauds), which
ensured operation in case of a weak GSM signal (in poor reception areas), in roaming
mode, in case of using various operators, etc.
3.3.6.5 Invisible Phone (Russia)
Since it cannot be found on the Internet yet, but many users have already touched it,
let us just call it “the invisible phone (Fig. 3.15).”