Security Update – 22 April 2009

The recent report that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was subjected to communications monitoring during a trip to Beijing in August 2008 highlights the security threat of mobile phone espionage. In his national security statement to the parliament in December 2008, Rudd admitted that electronic corporate and state-based espionage will be a growing vulnerability as both government and society becomes more dependent on integrated information technologies. Australia’s defence and security government agencies are prime targets for foreign espionage given the close defence partnership between Australia and the US.

The risk of mobile phone hacking has increased with more phones offering internet access. Generally speaking, the ease with which a mobile phone can be tapped rises alongside its functionality. Widely available spy software can turn the vast majority of mobile phones into portable espionage aids. Spy software can enable conversations to be listened to, text messages to be viewed and the precise location of a mobile phone to be shown using satellite updates. An individual’s location can be pinpointed to within two to three metres in a high density urban area using triangulation from mobile telephone masts or base stations.

Mobile phone tapping is an increasing security threat and, as such, personnel should install a security password and keep a close watch on their mobile phone to prevent spy software being downloaded. Removing a phone’s battery is an effective security measure to prevent conversations being listened to, although not failsafe. Signs that your mobile phone has been bugged can include an unusual drain on the battery and unexpected lighting up of the screen when the phone is not in use.

International Operations Group - Services

International Operations Group can assist in the detection and deterrence of acts of espionage. We offer an enhanced range of surveillance detection and technical surveillance countermeasure (TSCM) capabilities and use up-to-date technology equipment and processes to ascertain whether an organisation or individual is the target of surveillance or internal espionage. Our security consultants are experienced at operating in corporate, executive management and government environments across the globe.

Please email us at intel@interopsgroup.com or telephone us on +61 2 8003 3933 for additional information or confidential counter-espionage support.

For more information on our fee-based intelligence updates or bespoke reporting, please email Rob Stevenson - rob@interopsgroup.com. Rob can also be telephoned on +61 [0] 420 244 909.