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cell-phone invaders

In case you don't have enough to worry about when it comes to your cell phone, two Israeli researchers recently reported that they had found a way to crack the encryption code that safeguards the privacy of a certain type of mobile phone. The wireless standard that the pair invaded is used by more than 200 million people worldwide, although it's less common in the U.S. (where it's used by about five million people, including customers of Pacific Bell and Omnipoint, whose spokesperson scoffed at the researchers' claims). What's unusual about these code-crackers: Their method requires just one PC to work. Next time you're gabbing away on your cell phone, keep in mind that that innocent-looking guy with a laptop may be hearing your every word.

Thu, 30 Dec 1999 07:09:21 -0800