Used Cellphones Hold Trove of Secrets That Can Be Hard to Erase
Used cell phones contain a hoard of personal data for identity thieves and computer hackers to exploit, even when the devices have been supposedly cleansed
Used cell phones contain a hoard of personal data for identity thieves and computer hackers to exploit, even when the devices have been supposedly cleansed of data by using the “reset” button. This data can be obtained by using off-the-shelf software.
Law enforcement can also use the information on cell phones to help solve crimes.
The Web site of smart phone manufacturer Palm has advice on how cellphone users can overwrite the data on their phones. Similar instructions can be found on the Web site WirelessRecyling.com.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) from the Washington Post (10/21/06) P. A1; Nakashima, Ellen.
