Pakistan Cyber Force: VOIP Spying Apps "Made In Israel": Viber, Fring, Jajah, Spikko and Iskoot

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

VOIP Spying Apps "Made In Israel": Viber, Fring, Jajah, Spikko and Iskoot

Viber is a famous VOIP application among others including Fring that are used widely all around the world. Viber Media, Inc., is an "Israeli"-based company that has developed this smartphone application that allows users to talk and text for free. It was founded by Talmon Marco who served for four years in the Israel Defense Forces and held the position of CIO of the central command. He graduated Cum Laude from the Tel-Aviv University with a degree in Computer Science and Management.

Viber requires some sensitive permissions to be granted to the application such as reading and manipulating the contact list of the SIM card (or the phone), and directly call phone numbers and send sms messages, he said adding "The data and information are stored online, so other parties might be able to reach it if they managed to hack Viber's servers: "The copy of your address book (names and phones) is stored on a live database.

As the case is for Viber, Fring also requires sensitive permissions regarding the SIM card.

Concerning the deactivation of an account, it is possible yet the address book will be deleted from Viber's servers after 45 days the deactivation.
The application doesn't seem to save an online copy of the contact list. However it also do not guarantee unauthorized access to their online data in the privacy policies. The online data might be the usernames and passwords registered.

One slight difference, the expert points out, that it is impossible to delete a Fring account.
Jajah too requires sensitive permissions also regarding the SIM card, and does not guarantee unauthorized access to the online data of the user, as says the privacy policy of the website.

These applications are spyware applications because they ask for wide access and permissions. By agreeing their terms of services, a user is giving the application the right to anonymously and automatically collect data about the device and the user himself. It is possible for all these apps to record each and every call done by the users.

For instance, Viber's privacy policy says: "You agree that we may collect and use technical data and related information, including but not limited to technical information about Your mobile device, system and application software, and peripherals, that is gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support and other services to You related to the Licensed Application."

Who Are the Staff Members of Viber, JahJah, Fring?