More smartphone risks

I've written before about some of the dangers to privacy and personal security that come with smartphones. The Daily Mail warns us of another one.

The USB stick - called the iRecovery Stick - is designed to recover information that has been wiped from an Apple iPhone.

It can also retrieve deleted contact details and even mapping solutions, which show the destinations that the phone user has visited.

Unsurprisingly, it's proving very popular with those who suspect their other half has something to hide.

Ray Couch, spokesman for manufacturer Paraben, said: 'This gadget is good for everyone from suspicious wives and husbands to girlfriends and boyfriends.

'It's also aimed at the employer who suspects foul play from a member of staff and even the police.'

The USB stick gadget works by connecting to a computer, which is, in turn, connected to the iPhone.

Once the two devices are connected, the built-in software on the iRecovery Stick retrieves the deleted data on the phone.

. . .

Mr Couch said: 'We've had a lot of interest from the American police, in particular.

'Now they can find out what their suspects have been deleting without having to call in a specialist team.'

The gadget is 'future proof', its makers promise, meaning it is designed to run with future generations of the iPhone.

There's more at the link. Paraben makes a number of similar products for other applications, including one that can download the contents of a SIM card. They can be viewed at their Web site.

I can't argue that smartphones aren't useful and desirable in many ways . . . but you'd better beware of the concomitant risks to any information you keep on it!





Peter