| When cell phones got popular and reasonable in | | | | Scanners and other devices can pick up cell |
| price, everyone started buying them. The | | | | phones conversations. Once a person gets your |
| popularity grew so big that competition was brutal. | | | | phone's code, they can listen in on your |
| In order to compete, cell phone makers added | | | | conversations. Why would anyone care? Simple, |
| features to their phones. Cameras, GPS (global | | | | private conversations will allow persons the ability |
| positioning systems), street maps, voice guidance | | | | to stalk you and learn your patterns of travel. |
| systems, e-mail, and all the bells and whistles. This | | | | Who is Watching |
| is great for both the consumers as well as the | | | | If the cameras in your phone can be turned on |
| phone companies. As one might say, a win-win | | | | remotely, who knows what that can do? I bet |
| situation. | | | | unscrupulous people will have some idea. If your |
| Phones as Tracking Device | | | | phone has the ability to connect to the Internet, |
| In order to help parents keep up with their | | | | then the camera could be turned on remotely. |
| children and provide security, numerous software | | | | This will allow people to see what you are doing |
| programs were developed. Tracking systems | | | | when the cell phone is left on a dresser, night |
| were sold to the public to give parents peace of | | | | stand, cabinet or heaven forbid the bathroom. I |
| mind. Parents could track the current and past | | | | am sure you don't need a peeping Tom. |
| location of children with relative ease and no extra | | | | What Can be Done |
| equipment. | | | | You see your phone is a potentially dangerous |
| However, this has its potential problems. If | | | | tool in the wrong hands. What is the solution? |
| someone can get your phone system number | | | | Since phones are now handheld computers, you |
| they can track you. Not too good for you, but ok | | | | need to treat them like one. You need to take |
| for crooks. | | | | precautions on your phone just as you do with |
| Cookies on Your Cell Phone | | | | your laptop or home computer. Anti-spyware |
| Cell phones are now capable of being mini mobile | | | | software is available for your phone just as |
| computers. Using software, one can leave cookies | | | | anti-spyware is available for your personal |
| on you phone as well as your home computer. | | | | computers. |
| These cookies can be devastating in the wrong | | | | Check with your phone's manufacture or your cell |
| hands. Unauthorized people can get your bank | | | | phone provider to see what is available and what |
| account and other private information. | | | | precautions need to be taken. Phones are great, |
| Who is Listening | | | | but they do need to be protected. |