Is my cell phone bugged? Six steps to resolving the problem.

Is my cell phone bugged? Six steps to resolving the problem.

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There has been a significant increase in visitors to Mobile Telephone Evidence seeking help as to how to detect and confirm whether their cell phones are bugged or not? My observations (note the word 'observations' and NOT 'advice') would be to not fool around in this area trying to outwit those who you think are outwitting you.
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Remember any action you take is your choice and responsibility, the steps below are only observations.

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1) Back-up the data that are on handset and SIM card - keep the data safe as you may want it for your new mobile phone.

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1) Clear the 'handset' of any personal data by using factory restore. Remember, that is handset data and not SIM data.

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2) Go to a reputable recycling company and give the handset to them. Remember not to leave your SIM card in the handset.

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3) Get yourself a bog-standard £10.00/$10.00 (something cheap) mobile phone with a manufacturer's proprietory operating system. This phone should be used for business so that you know your competitors are not obtaining the content of your business communications. Do not lend your new phone to anyone and do not leave it unattended for long periods of time.

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4) If you really cannot do without a symbian or windows mobile phone then make sure the content of your communications do not contain company secrets etc. Do not lend your new phone to anyone and do not leave it unattended for long periods of time.

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5) Finally, if you are still not happy, you don't like 1) and 2), above, and you still think your phone is bugged, then remove the outer casing of the handset and cut up all the chips on the handset's printed circuit board and then burn everything on the fire. Remember not to leave your SIM card in the handset when cutting up or burning it.

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6) Repeat step 3) above.