Carrier IQ
What is it?
Carrier IQ is a widely used mobile device diagnostic app used to monitor actions on mobile phones and tablets. It's a powerful monitoring tool with cloud support for data collection.
How does it work?
Numbers dialed, URLs entered, plus query parameters, location and dropped calls can be monitored. The software monitors for specific events as required by the carrier and transmits the data off the device for further analysis. Monitoring was found to take place whether one was on the carrier network or on Wi-Fi.
Should I be worried?
Diagnostic tools that perform monitoring are needed and appropriate. The concern with Carrier IQ is how this software is implemented. End-users are not aware of the software's behavior and haven't been provided the option to opt-out of its use.
How can I prevent it?
Contact your mobile carrier and demand that all diagnostic software be opt-in when needed. Monitoring by the carrier should happen when service is working as expected.
