On: Operation Troll The NSA

[hellcow]

Turning off your phone doesn't disable the microphone. You have to physically remove the battery.

[quackerhacker → hellcow]

I know that was the case with Nextel phones, is that the same with iOS devices?

[hellcow → quackerhacker]

There's no evidence to the contrary, and Apple was named in the PRISM scandal, so you have to operate under the assumption that it is. Sell it and buy a non-smartphone with a removable battery.

[Zigurd → quackerhacker]

That type of spying capability is implemented in the telephony baseband. It is commanded using the signalling channel of telephony protocols. Whether or not it is in a particular device depends on the chips that connect to the telephone network.

[Zenst → hellcow]

Wonder if there is a market for phone modifications that add an external on/off switch for the mic's (and speakers). Silly but paranoia sells.