UK tabloid in phone hacking probe

[cookie_monster]

Anyone know what form this supposed hack took? Was it just that they hadn't changed the default PIN on their voicemail (easy) or was there a real phone intercept (which would be quite difficult).

 

UK tabloid in phone hacking probe ? The Register

[Michael]

they hadn't changed the default PIN on their voicemail

 

It was exactly that and it's really sad to be honest. What really confuses me is even if they did manage to retrieve any 'gossip', publishing it in the news would most probably lead to some legal action taken against those involved anyway. I don't think it's been thought through. I don't buy newspapers so I can't fund their bad ways...

[tech_guy]

One of the reports I heard was that it was done by passing brown envelopes full of cash to the mobile phone company employees to get access.

[cookie_monster]

One of the reports I heard was that it was done by passing brown envelopes full of cash to the mobile phone company employees to get access

 

Yes I'd read that as well.

 

 

they hadn't changed the default PIN on their voicemail

 

You would think they would dissable answerphones unless you ring and enable it then they make you set a PIN of your choice then.

[Michael]

What I'm confused about is why the phone operators don't generate a random code when they sell your phone? It's just like you join a bank, they send your card then give everyone the same pin and expect you to change it

[plexer]

It's not exactly real phone hacking or phreaking is it?

 

Ben

[Michael]

It's not exactly real phone hacking or phreaking is it?

 

It's not hacking as such no, just a breach of privacy. To be honest if the phone operators did generate random codes this would be a lot more difficult to pull off and police can concentrate on other more serious crimes.

[SteveBentley]

As I recall, three make you set a pin the first time you call voicemail.

[cookie_monster]

It's ages since i've checked but a company begining with V just had a standard 4 digit PIN for all voicemail and it didn't force you to change it. I know because I mentioned it to a friend, they checked and it didn't make them change it, they did change it though pretty quickly.

[stu]

the first thing i do is disable my answer phone if i don't answer im not there then it not cost them money for me to get message weeks later when i remember to check and if it is urgent they can try again later or text

[cookie_monster]

the first thing i do is disable my answer phone if i don't answer im not there then it not cost them money for me to get message weeks later when i remember to check and if it is urgent they can try again later or text

 

Mine just sends me texts untill I check.