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Is checking email on phone secure? |
giba
Joined: Jul 04, 2005
Posts: 6
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I recently started using my Sony Z600 to check my email, using the built-in Email application (under Messaging). I used the standard, non-encrypted access method (is SSL even available?), and I'm kind of worried about the security of this thing. Namely,
1) Would people be able to intercept my user name / password every time I send/receive?
2) Is my email content safe from prying eyes?
TIA,
Eric |
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giba
Joined: Jul 04, 2005
Posts: 6
PM |
Anybody?
This message was posted from a Z600 |
bucheral
Joined: Jan 07, 2005
Posts: 488
From: Swiss Mountains
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Well, these are good questions. I really can't answer them, but I can tell you one thing: I'm reading and sending emails with all my SE Phones and did never have any problem, everything works and I don't think anybody is spying me in any way! But who knows? |
ijefferies
Joined: Dec 24, 2004
Posts: 201
PM |
Sadly nothing in this age is secure. If a mail contains certain key words it'll be flagged and decoded regardless of how many encryptions there are. The encryption will only keep it secure from the casual observer. If you are being 'watched' then assume the watchers know everything about you!
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OluYom
Joined: Oct 27, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Nigeria
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Here's how it is: email on your phone is no more or less secure than email on your PC 
PS: I used to be known as AYA |
Jon
Joined: Jan 07, 2005
Posts: 384
From: Kent
PM |
No mobile ommunication is secure. By mobile i mean radio frequency. Yes it may be encryted but having it accessible over the air makes it available to anyone who can/wants to decypher it.
Unless you work for the military or Government, i would suggest that you have nothing to worry about.
Jon
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giba
Joined: Jul 04, 2005
Posts: 6
PM |
Thanks for all your thoughtful replies. I guess I can only keep my fingers crossed.
I'd still be nice if things are encrypted though... so that at least casual spies won't be able to get to anything. |
Cycovision
Joined: Nov 30, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: England
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The chances of anyone intercepting your email, or username and password, during transit are about the same as them listening in to a call from / to your mobile - it's certainly possible but it requires specialist equipment. This means that your email is pretty safe from the average person in the street intercepting it. I'd be more worried about getting the phone stolen and somebody accessing it that way. You can get software for PCs that shows 'starred out' passwords.
Without going into conspiracy theories, it's widely accepted that the likes of Interpol, MI5 etc. have the equipment to intercept calls and data transfers from mobile devices, so unless you're an International criminal, you shouldn't have too much to worry about 
_________________
'He who laughs last, laughs longest. Or didn't get the joke...'
[ This Message was edited by: Cycovision on 2005-07-06 19:07 ] |
max_wedge
Joined: Aug 29, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Australia
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unlike normal home user wireless networking, cellular networks use some basic security so that listeners can not "listen in" on the signal (nor gain useable data)
This includes some basic encryption (i think), and frequency hopping and other methods (imsi/imei handshaking etc)
You email username and password are sent as plain text behind this protected network.
You don't have too much to worry about dude  |
giba
Joined: Jul 04, 2005
Posts: 6
PM |
It' nice to know that, I'll stop worrying about it. |
Pradhika
Joined: Jan 11, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: India
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Generally no trouble unless we are involved in something bigger. None care for other persons' stuff.
This message was posted from a T610 |
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Posted: 2005-07-04 22:31
