Recently, a researcher demonstrated how he could impersonate a GSM cell tower at the Def Con Convention in Las Vegas.  Chris Paget, a security professional created a device which impersonates GSM cell phone towers for about $1,500.00.  Note: cell phone snooping is illegal and Chris took many precautions not to break the law.

The device impersonates AT&T cell phone towers, making Android and iPhones think they are connecting to a legitimate phone tower.  The system can be configured enabling the call to be listened to.  The device could also be configured to intercept calls.

As Verizon Wireless and Sprint use CDMA technology, their systems would not be affected by this vulnerability.  While the hack will not work with 3G, it is possible to knock the 3G offline and then the hacking device would take over.  The cost to build the equipment to knock 3G offline would be less than $1,000.00.

Even if a phone has the voice mode set for encryption, the hacking device could just turn it off.  And depending on the phone, there may be no notice that encryption has been disabled.

Information provided by: HITman Services, a computer and IT services company located in Clifton Park, New York.