Gear & phone tapping, security...

[e-man2]

This might not be the right discussion forum, but my question is related to privacy & security in discussing gear and thought I would get the most relaible answer here
.
We talk about gear on elite alot, but since their is no source posting nor deals being arranged/made on this site, there is nothing to worry about.

But, if you are at home/work, how do you know if your phone is tapped or not? I thought that in order to tap into someones phone, you physically have to mount a microphone and emitter. Am I wrong in that sense, and can the cops just set-up and tap into anyones phone using just the software?

If anyone has nay experience/knowledge they would like to share it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[daemon]

The telephone company can setup taps remotely. Any federal agency will need a wiretap order signed by a judge. This is not particularly hard to get. As I understand, most federal officers know which judges are more willing to sign a wiretap order and it's not a terribly difficult thing to do. Also interesting is the fact that the telephone company does NOT need a wiretap order to set one up. It's thier equipment and they can do as they please. I've heard a couple stories of the telephone companies using this to stop fraud/abuse of telecommunications equipment.

Also keep in mind that the "rules" have changed a lot since September 11th. With the introduction of the Patriot act, no court order is needed for a wiretap. The federal government can go around tapping whomever, whenever they want. Gotta love the way they use a national tragedy to gain public acceptance for thier further abuse of power.

http://www.eff.org/Privacy/Surveillance/Terrorism_militias/20011031_eff_usa_patriot_analysis.html

 

[drveejay11]

The telephone company can setup taps remotely. Any federal agency will need a wiretap order signed by a judge. This is not particularly hard to get. As I understand, most federal officers know which judges are more willing to sign a wiretap order and it's not a terribly difficult thing to do. Also interesting is the fact that the telephone company does NOT need a wiretap order to set one up. It's thier equipment and they can do as they please. I've heard a couple stories of the telephone companies using this to stop fraud/abuse of telecommunications equipment.

Also keep in mind that the "rules" have changed a lot since September 11th. With the introduction of the Patriot act, no court order is needed for a wiretap. The federal government can go around tapping whomever, whenever they want. Gotta love the way they use a national tragedy to gain public acceptance for thier further abuse of power.

http://www.eff.org/Privacy/Surveill...ice info bro!31_eff_usa_patriot_analysis.html

 

[scrh1]

Hey e-man. To answer your question and raise your level of paranoia some more . IT is almost impossible to know! Working in the telecom and data security side of the business we do this stuff all the time to stop fraud, theft, abuse of company resources etc....and I work in the private sector! The government has much better "toys" and accessibility than "we" ever will. So your est bet is not talk about anything you are too worried about. E-mail is relatively anonymous if you set it up right and the telephone and cell phone is just a bad medium in this day and age. Your only real protection is saying and sending as little as possible in a mutually understood fashion. Good luck with it ! Parania is a good thing sometimes. keeps you on your toes !

 

[e-man2]

Thanks guys for the info. No more gear talk over the phone

 

[Digger Dan]

Are you any more at risk using your cell phone? How easy is it to listen in on a digital cell phone conversation?

 

[scrh1]

Hey Digger. Not as easy as it was in the past, the equiptment needed to do that type of work is astronomical in price and surprise ..only the carriers and the government own it or can really afford it. But like I said before, it can all be compromised, so why take a chance. Your day to day stuff is fine, but if you are targeted and being watched/ investigated , they will get whatever data / voice transactions they need to grab you. Now...will it stand up in court...is another story..but why take the risks. Your average sports enthusiast and occasional user should be of no concearn to them, but if you were doing something on a bigger scale, then the phone is the least of your worries. - Good luck!

 

[Fast Twitch Fiber]

Smoke signals are still relatively anonymous.

 

[Hugh Gellatts]

strategically placed protein farts are also a subtle means of communication. if you wish to "scramble" the message you can up the legume/fiber intake.

 

[CJjoe]

Its likely good to be a little paranoid; however, I don't think its that easy for the cops to do. I mean, setting it up would be no probs but just to randomly do it? Naw..So many rights and freedoms they need something before they can start tappin' in. Here in Canada possession isn't illegal, so if you have a personal amount your safe. But...if ya got more than what could be construed as personal...be more careful. Common sense will always prevail...If there's no need to speak about it on the phone...Dont.

My 2 cents..