Greetings! How concerned should I be over the recent news about the Carrier IQ rootkit? More importantly, is it on the LG Revolution and if it is how do I go about removing it?
Thanks
I wouldn't be too concerned, everything that has been said from the carriers is that the data is not used at all except for the carriers' own information, mostly just information on how to better sell you phones. The unfortunate side to it is, nearly every phone has this or something equivalent, from Android to Blackberry to iPhones and possibly even some feature phones. Also, the only way to remove this is to root your phone and void your warranty. I think that enough of a stink has been raised over this that some sort of investigation would have to be forthcoming. Of course, this is just my opinion, but me, personally, I'm not to worried about it.
demmo86rt wrote: I wouldn't be too concerned, everything that has been said from the carriers is that the data is not used at all except for the carriers' own information, mostly just information on how to better sell you phones. The unfortunate side to it is, nearly every phone has this or something equivalent, from Android to Blackberry to iPhones and possibly even some feature phones. Also, the only way to remove this is to root your phone and void your warranty. I think that enough of a stink has been raised over this that some sort of investigation would have to be forthcoming. Of course, this is just my opinion, but me, personally, I'm not to worried about it.
I'm extremely concerned about this.
If I am accessing a website via HTTPS, such as my banking information, then I don't want anyone else seeing that information besides my bank. The carrier can't see this because it's an SSL connection. However, with this rootkit, they are able to get every keypress that I enter on the phone. This completely cancels out the usage of SSL.
I understand that they want to use the information for how to sell us phones better, but the question is - are we sure that this is all they are using it for? They may say that they are only using it for marketing and QA purposes, but where's the proof.
You'll never know for sure.
Not only that, but what are the justice system implications for this? For instance, now that the various justice organizations are aware that this exists (who's to say they weren't already?), will they start subpoenaing the information from the carriers? They could have a history of every single action ever performed on my phone right at their fingertips. THAT in and of itself is scary enough.
No, this CarrierIQ thing is extremely disconcerting.
Keep an eye on this, there has been talk of a class action suit, as well as an FTC investigation. I'm sure if there is any wrong doing, it will be (mostly) exposed.
Verizon has said on their twitter page that they do not use the software.
