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Wireless

by Michael Ho

Thu, Apr 23rd 2009 3:49pm




Filed Under:
hacking, phones, security

Companies:
nokia


If Criminals Are Smart Enough To Hack Old Nokia's, Can't They Keep A Secret?

from the thankfully-criminals-are-dumb dept

If you have an old Nokia 1100 phone, maybe it's time to dust it off and try selling it in Germany where hackers claim to have figured out a way to use certain Nokia phones to steal authentication codes for bank transactions. There are a few reports that these old phones (if they were made in a very specific factory, not just any old model...) are selling for ridiculous amounts -- ranging from $700 to $30,000 -- presumably because the handsets are so hard to find and are valuable to hackers prone to crime. So far, Nokia says it can't imagine any way for these old phones to be hacked for banking fraud. But not surprisingly, security vendors are quick to point out the plausibility of this type of phone hacking -- since security firms can obviously benefit from unfounded fears that encourage consumers to buy security software regardless of the actual need for it. Is it really that hard to ask a security vendor what the likelihood would be for a criminal to actually succeed in such a scam? Hopefully, the odds of actually stealing any money with these ancient phones are approaching zero -- especially now that the tools to implement the fraud are known and apparently getting quite expensive. Perhaps the real suckers in this story are the gullible hackers who are buying old phones in shady forums for prices that are well more than the phones are worth?

141 Comments | Leave a Comment..


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Reader Comments (rss)

(Flattened / Threaded)

  1.  

    Sounds like an Urban Legend

    identicon
    fogbugzed, Apr 23rd, 2009 @ 4:47pm

    This sounds like an Urban Legend to me.

    Still, I have this old Nokia I'm willing to sell. I would hang onto it and sell it to this guy I know, but I need the money right now. Tell you what. I'll sell it to you for $500 because I need the cash; you can sell it to this guy I know for THOUSANDS.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  2.  
    identicon
    IanK, Apr 23rd, 2009 @ 6:04pm

    It's the security industry's version of the Nigeria scam.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  3.  
    identicon
    Lucretious, Apr 23rd, 2009 @ 7:39pm

    lol....I own 2 of them. How does one check the manufacturer location?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  4.  

    I wonder if

    icon
    Allen (profile), Apr 23rd, 2009 @ 9:19pm

    1. Find a create of old phones in an empty warehouse
    2. Spread a bogus rumour that they can be used to steal banking passwords
    3. Profit.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  5.  

    Re: I wonder if

    icon
    Allen (profile), Apr 23rd, 2009 @ 9:20pm

    Opps that was supposed to be "crate".

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  6.  
    identicon
    george, Apr 24th, 2009 @ 1:11am

    Re: an apparent inability to "keep it a secret" . . . it seems to me that many a hacker would rather be famous than rich.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  7.  

    Please ...

    identicon
    Kevin Poulsen, Apr 24th, 2009 @ 8:49am

    If crooks are buying these phones for as much as $30k, it's because some of them are making real money with the phones. IMHO, it's seriously naïve to dismiss this as a few "gullible hackers." Just because we don't know exactly what they're doing, doesn't mean they don't.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  8.  

    Re: Please ...

    identicon
    mikeho, Apr 24th, 2009 @ 3:15pm

    I didn't mean to suggest that this whole story boils down to a few "gullible hackers" -- but if this security threat were actually as serious as some make it sound, shouldn't there be an estimate of how big of a problem this is? Something along the lines of $XXX,000 per year may be stolen using spoofed bank authentication codes...? If a security vendor actually stated something like that -- then the banking industry would have to respond seriously. Just saying the threat is "plausible" -- but offering no context about "how plausible" -- is either fear-mongering or merely idle speculation.

    So as other comments above have pointed out, this story sounds like an urban legend due to the lack of supporting facts or any kind of critical analysis....

    Perhaps Wired can help us out and investigate further? I'm sure it would be much appreciated!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  9.  
    identicon
    KTG, Apr 26th, 2009 @ 9:28pm

    If these phones are really changing hands for upwards of 30k there has to be some truth to this story. That's way beyond the figures speculation justifies. If you want to stay current on mobile security http://www.justaskgemalto.com/en/search/node/mobile is a good place to visit regularly.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  10.  

    Re: I wonder if

    identicon
    me, Apr 27th, 2009 @ 12:46pm

    There is no step 2!

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  11.  

    nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    nokia_sell, Mar 28th, 2010 @ 5:31am

    I have 2 pcs Nokia 1100 RH-17 and one RH-15 2003 year germany .
    The phone's was allready checked and working .
    and i want to sell them for 1500 euro all 3 pcs

    skype: nokia_sell

    [email protected]

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  12.  

    nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    nokia_sell, Apr 16th, 2010 @ 12:20pm

    I have 2 pcs Nokia 1100 RH-17 and one RH-15 2003 year germany .
    The phone's was allready checked and working .
    and i want to sell them for 1500 euro all 3 pcs

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  14.  

    who are interesing for nokia 1100 rh-18 9

    identicon
    blerim, Jul 9th, 2010 @ 4:35pm

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  18.  

    hi

    identicon
    ana, Jul 12th, 2010 @ 2:46pm

    I have N okia 1100 Rh 18 for sale it works .price 2000 eu

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  20.  

    Nokia

    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Jul 13th, 2010 @ 9:24am

    I have 2 (two) Nokia phones:

    #1:
    Type RH-18 Model: 1100
    MADE IN HUNGARY
    CODE 0512527
    IMEI: 35667100/130529/9

    #2:
    Type RH-18 Model: 1100
    MADE IN finland
    CODE 0512527
    IMEI: 35538300/525666/5


    If you are interest to buy, offer a price and contact me.
    [email protected]

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  21.  

    Nokia

    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Jul 13th, 2010 @ 9:30am

    I have 2 (two) Nokia phones:

    #1:
    Type RH-18 Model: 1100
    MADE IN HUNGARY
    CODE 0512527
    IMEI: 35667100/130529/9

    #2:
    Type RH-18 Model: 1100
    MADE IN finland
    CODE 0512527
    IMEI: 35538300/525666/5


    If you are interest to buy, offer a price and contact me.
    [email protected]

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  24.  

    i have nokia 1100 rh 18

    identicon
    ulcinj, Jul 15th, 2010 @ 3:12pm

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  25.  

    i have nokia 1100 rh 18

    identicon
    ulcinj, Jul 15th, 2010 @ 3:14pm

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  26.  
    identicon
    shenpjetri, Jul 16th, 2010 @ 12:15am

    I have a nokia 1100 rh18 Made in Germany..Who wants to buy it?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  27.  

    I have nokia 1100 Rh 18

    identicon
    agon, Jul 16th, 2010 @ 5:22pm

    Visitors also interested in e-mail contact

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  28.  

    I have nokia 1100 Rh 18

    identicon
    agon, Jul 16th, 2010 @ 5:23pm

    Visitors also interested in e-mail contact

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  31.  

    nokia 1100

    identicon
    hamed, Jul 19th, 2010 @ 3:46pm

    hi i'am here from morocoo am luky and i have nokia 1100 rh 18 germany ok and ok

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  33.  

    I have nokia 1100 Rh 18

    identicon
    Albania, Jul 27th, 2010 @ 7:48am

    I have 2 (two) Nokia phones:

    #1:
    Type RH-18 Model: 1100
    MADE IN HUNGARY
    CODE *******
    IMEI: 35******/67****/*

    My Email: nokia.al@live.com

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  35.  

    rh 18 fabrique en allemagne

    identicon
    nemanja, Jul 30th, 2010 @ 8:48am

    Nokia's in great condition very favorable all offers send by e-mail ... I give a very affordable $ 8000

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  36.  

    nokia rh 18 fabrique en allemagne-made in germany

    identicon
    nemanja, Jul 30th, 2010 @ 8:55am

    Nokia's in great condition very favorable all offers send by e-mail ... I give a very affordable $ 8000 urgently

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  38.  

    telefon

    identicon
    daku, Jul 31st, 2010 @ 7:15am

    kam nje nokia 1100 rh-18 qe e shes per 10000euro

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  40.  

    Re: nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    Diard, Aug 4th, 2010 @ 1:48pm

    write me back, and tell me, how can we get in touch, i wanna buy those phnoes, so explain me more, u have nokia 1100 rh-17, how much does it cost 1.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  42.  

    nokia 1100

    identicon
    aleksandar, Aug 5th, 2010 @ 1:58pm

    i nave nokia 1100 rh-18....please write to me if you need something about that..

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  43.  
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Aug 6th, 2010 @ 3:26am

    i have nokia rh-18 made in germany 2003 who want to bye...

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  49.  
    identicon
    cika, Aug 14th, 2010 @ 7:47pm

    These phones were only manufactured in Bochum.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  50.  
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Aug 15th, 2010 @ 3:45pm

    i have a nokia rh18 made in germany i wana sell it

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  54.  

    Re: Nokia 1100 RH15 & 18

    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Aug 17th, 2010 @ 8:41am

    also skype landi8000

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  57.  

    Re: nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    Maash, Aug 19th, 2010 @ 12:02pm

    how can i get the RH-17 ..i leave in albnia..a

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  59.  

    Re: Re: nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    booti, Aug 20th, 2010 @ 2:14pm

    Shoku ne rast se je interesuar per NOKIA 1100 rh 18 made in Germany lajmerohu me shpejt ne sepse kam mjaft kerkesa pikerisht per kete telefon.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  61.  

    Have nokia Rh 18 Made in Germany

    identicon
    fati, Aug 21st, 2010 @ 4:18am

    ===============================================
    I have nokia 1100 rh18 made in germany for sell
    who is interested can contact me at my e-mail [email protected]
    or mobile ++ 355 68 56 07 507
    = 3.000 euro

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    telefon nokia 1100 rh 18 prodhim Gjerman e shes me cmimin e padiskutushem 3.000 euro , kush eshte i interesuar mund te kontaktoje me adresat e mesiperme.
    ============================================

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  67.  
    identicon
    bekim, Aug 26th, 2010 @ 3:24pm

    I have nokia 11 00 for sale,after i hit the code#*0000# has this parametres:v 3.31,19-06-03,rh 17,c NPM ,11 00,if anyone interesed email me at:[email protected],price 5 000 eur-lajmerohuni

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  68.  
    identicon
    guram, Aug 27th, 2010 @ 9:18am

    i have nokia 1100 rh 18 made in germany. if you want buy it. price 20000$ call me +99597365365

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  73.  

    hello...

    identicon
    vini, Aug 28th, 2010 @ 8:20am

    i have 2 nokia rh18 1 german 1 finland.I sell 5000 for one...contact me at cell 00306981900439

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  74.  

    hello...

    identicon
    vini, Aug 28th, 2010 @ 8:25am

    have 2 nokia rh18 1 german 1 finland.I sell 5000 for one...contact me at cell SORRY 00306981900438 its the exact number

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  76.  
    identicon
    saimir, Aug 28th, 2010 @ 1:13pm

    l have 1 nokia 1100 made in germany rh18 call me tel.00306979764345

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  77.  
    identicon
    altin, Aug 30th, 2010 @ 2:42am

    ay have nokia RH-18 MODEL 1100 made in HUNGARY

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  78.  
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Aug 30th, 2010 @ 4:41pm

    is there anyone who is really buying this phones? i want to know because i have one rh 18 germany..........

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  81.  

    NOKIA 1100 RH 18 MADE IN GERMANY

    identicon
    nedelka, Sep 1st, 2010 @ 5:59am

    HI EVERYONE,I HAVE 2 NOKIA 1100 RH 18 MADE IN BOCHUM,GERMANY,PRICE IS 6.000 EURO FOR ONE PHONE,IF YOU INTERESTED URGENT CONTACT ME ON MAIL: [email protected] ,so for serious people and hackers,phone is good condition.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  82.  

    nokia rh 18 for sell

    identicon
    renato, Sep 2nd, 2010 @ 4:27am

    I have nokia rh 18 for sell, has never been used...Do not hesitated to contact me.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  85.  

    nokia

    identicon
    sarandioti, Sep 5th, 2010 @ 4:10pm

    i have nokia 1100 rh-18 made in bochum.... if any one wannt it just send me a mail...

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  86.  

    Re: nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    Network, Sep 7th, 2010 @ 3:18pm

    can you send me this video i wont to see that

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  89.  

    Re: Re: Re: nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Sep 13th, 2010 @ 11:24am

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  91.  

    Re: Re: nokia 1100 RH-17 RH-15

    identicon
    darko, Sep 18th, 2010 @ 3:25pm

    I have 2 nokia rh 17,Germany,2003...5000e for one phone.tanjga72vgmail.com

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  95.  

    nokia rh 18

    identicon
    jakson, Sep 19th, 2010 @ 7:03am

    I have two Nokia rh 18 made in germany're interested in my columns message or call me at 00306987345119

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  98.  
    identicon
    nokia_sell, Sep 27th, 2010 @ 1:41pm

    I have 2 pcs Nokia 1100 RH-17 2002 and 2003 year
    and one RH-16 2003 year germany .
    The phone’s was allready checked and working .
    I can give you all information you like about the phones …
    contact me via e-mail : [email protected] or skype : nokia_sell


    Price is 1200 euro for each phone or 3k euro for all phones

    If there are serious buyers .. we can make a clear and good deal ...not just sayng words and showing pictures of the phones ...like 98% of people here ...

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  102.  
    identicon
    lorenco, Oct 5th, 2010 @ 3:30am

    I have 2 nokia 1100 RH-18 made in hungary and made in finland... contact me : 00306970505942i speak english greek and albanian

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  103.  

    for sale nokia 1100 rh 15 16 17

    identicon
    xman, Oct 10th, 2010 @ 6:10am

    http://www.emailcover.com/dzw.png
    i have the nokia 1100 you need

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  104.  
    identicon
    uros, Oct 11th, 2010 @ 10:21am

    Nokia RH 18,Finland.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  108.  

    Prodajem nokiu

    identicon
    milan, Oct 13th, 2010 @ 12:01pm

    Selling nokia 1100 made in finland rh 18 for 800e
    wana sell fast, phone +381655314895

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  110.  
    identicon
    nokia_sell, Oct 16th, 2010 @ 1:01pm

    Hello i have for sell 1 nokia RH16 and 2 RH17 all 3 phones for 3000 - 3500 euro if anyone is serious buyer can contact me via skype : nokia_sell or mail: [email protected] the phones is Made in Germany and is allready checked and fully working. I can show you on the cam or what you like ..

    im from Bulgaria

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  114.  
    identicon
    enia, Nov 12th, 2010 @ 4:13am

    i sell nokia 1100 rh 18 made in hungary,2005 3000 dollars.
    please contact me via email

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  115.  

    nokia

    icon
    luliluli (profile), Nov 13th, 2010 @ 3:25am

    i sell nokia rh 18 .price is 1000-1500 e.my email:[email protected]

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  117.  
    identicon
    nokia_sell, Nov 21st, 2010 @ 11:45am

    nokia RH16 2001/2002/2003 year

    nokia RH17 2001/2002/2003 year
    ———————————-
    price 400-1000 euro for phone ;
    it depends on how many you want to buy !

    skype: nokia_sell


    mail: [email protected]

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  118.  
    identicon
    mare, Nov 21st, 2010 @ 3:03pm

    nokia 1100 rh-18
    price 6000 euro

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  119.  
    identicon
    un jam, Dec 15th, 2010 @ 4:44am

    pershendetje e shes Nokien 1100 HR 18 made in Hungaria me qmim 30.000 ero

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  120.  
    identicon
    un jam, Dec 15th, 2010 @ 4:46am

    pershendetje e shes Nokien 1100 HR 18 made in Hungaria me qmim 30.000 ero 06767498189

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  124.  

    nokia 1100 hacking tools

    identicon
    hacker, Dec 30th, 2010 @ 1:21pm

    i sell the full software for hacking the bank account,s and to change the numbers when you calling to can not listening you. full price for all somftware are 50.000 euro only real byer,s.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  127.  
    identicon
    AIDIN, Jan 23rd, 2011 @ 4:30am

    I have a nokia 1100 rh18 Made in Germany..Who wants to buy it?i am from greece...

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  128.  
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Feb 1st, 2011 @ 3:55pm

    I also have nokia 1100 rh 18, made in Hungary. Let me know if you want to buy

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  131.  
    identicon
    orges, Feb 14th, 2011 @ 7:21am

    ciao a tutte'i come va ho un nokia 1100 in Germani rh 18 se vi interesa contatatemi dammi il buon prezzo
    fatto ... pershendetje te gjitheve kam nje nokia 1100 in Germani rh 18 nese ju intereson dergoni nji email.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  135.  

    nokia 1100 rh 18 HUNGRY

    identicon
    RAFF, Jul 23rd, 2011 @ 11:10am

    I HAVE 2 NOKIA 1100 rh 18 HUNGRY..IF U INTERESTED GIVE ME OFFER...

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  139.  

    nokia 1100

    icon
    tarajist001 (profile), Aug 26th, 2011 @ 7:36am

    hi everyone i have nokia 1100 :
    type : RH-18
    made in finland
    code : 0512514
    IMEI : 35538400/964717/2

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  141.  
    identicon
    Anonymous Coward, Dec 16th, 2011 @ 12:29pm

    are they still worth a lot nw?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]


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After Five Years, Apparently The Mobile Virus... >>
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