Question Can a brand new phone be tapped?

[Harry1337]

Hey everyone, i just bought a new phone and i wonder how can i know if my phonecalls are being recorded. The phone is brand new and i opened it by myself but i'm a bit paranoid about these things. From my little knowledge i can say that when i booted the phone was functioning like a brand new one, where i had to do everything starting from the beginning, setting clock, date, country etc. Is there any chance that someone installed malware or spyware? Thanks in advance and sorry for the dumb question.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Not likely , if you only did the initial setup of the phone.

 

[COLGeek]

As DLoT says, it is VERY unlikely. However, it is technically possible that the phone could be compromised. Unless someone has a specific reason to target you, you should be fine. Don't overthink this.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

did you buy the phone from an actual retailer or from that government contracted spy that's been stalking your family?

 

[Harry1337]

As DLoT says, it is VERY unlikely. However, it is technically possible that the phone could be compromised. Unless someone has a specific reason to target you, you should be fine. Don't overthink this.

I just did a hard reset just to be sure, does it mean im safe?

thx for replying

 

[digitalgriffin]

I just did a hard reset just to be sure, does it mean im safe?

thx for replying

Not to fuel your paranoia, but yes it is possible. Especially if you get your phone from some questionable vendor. Jail breaking and installing backdoors is a relatively trivial task.

That said, it's a lot more likely your carrier is going to spy on you, or the apps you install to spy on you. Read the license terms carefully and examine the permissions for each app.

 

[popatim]

Also, did the Sim card leave your sight? Easiest way for non-police types to listen to your calls is by cloning your sim card and putting it into their phone. https://slate.com/technology/2007/03/how-do-you-intercept-someone-else-s-text-message.html

Police types just request copies of your carrier's recordings of your calls & texts.