August 4, 2005
Don't believe cell phones insure privacy
Korea's National Intelligence Service might insist that it is difficult to monitor cell phone conversations, but anyone who believes that is being naive, telecommunications experts say, reports JoongAng Daily.
"Whether it involves cell phones, instant text messages or e-mail, no form of electronic communication is secure against eavesdropping, experts contend.
After it was revealed two weeks ago that the nation's spy agency had routinely taped private conversations between powerful figures in the 1990s, the agency said that it was not able to listen in on cell phone conversations.
According to Bruce Schneier, founder and chief technology officer of California-based Couterpane Internet Security Inc., such a claim is "the standard defense" by officials.
"Mr. Schneier said that only a scanner and a computer would be required to listen in on cell phone conversations.
Nam Hyung-jong, an official with Korea's security firm Goldstar Security System Co., said there is no communication method that cannot be monitored. "Only the costs and required technical expertise prevent those other than law enforcement agencies and government bodies from wiretapping," he said.
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