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Old 10-08-2009, 09:16 AM   #1
!VIM!
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Default I think I'm being watched

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I have recently left my company and have been allowed to keep my 8900. I have used JL Commander to wipe the device. I am curious to know if my BB can be monitored using BES to see the SMS, Email and call activity on what is now my personal device.

Questions:
1. can an administrator have set my phone to be monitored without my knowledge?
2. is there some way to check and see if it is being monitored?
3. can I do anything with the device to ensure that it is not being "watched" through changing some of the settings?

I am not a comms or IT expert but have some knowledge of how to manage and administer the device at an application level. Any guidance on these questions would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 10-08-2009, 09:18 AM   #2
jsconyers
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Welcome to the forums.

If you wiped the device, you broke the connection with the BES.

What gives you the impression that you're under surveillance?
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Old 10-08-2009, 09:33 AM   #3
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After a wipe there is no possibility for your former admin to log anything from your device. There is no connection anymore. Two things would have to be done to connect you back to your old employer:

- The admin would have to set an activation password for your user
- You would have to initiate an enterprise activation from your Blackberry device

So as long as you don't activate your device with your old employer, you are safe
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Old 10-08-2009, 10:17 AM   #4
!VIM!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsconyers View Post
Welcome to the forums.

If you wiped the device, you broke the connection with the BES.

What gives you the impression that you're under surveillance?
My resignation was not welcomed by the organisation, as I was responsible for many of the key accounts and they are paranoid that I am in contact with former employees and staff. I have been on the delivery side of protecting my business so I know what is possible to preserve the ability to trade and harbour key customers. Nothing has occurred technically that has caused me this concern on the device, it is pure a conspiracy theory on my part. Thanks very much for your comments, very helpful and I will sleep better tonight.
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Old 10-08-2009, 10:28 AM   #5
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Wiping the device via Options > Security does not remove a BES IT Policy. If the device was connected to the BES, and the BES Admin has not removed you from the BES, then after the Security wipe, the IT Policy can be pushed right back to the device.

How did you wipe the device?

Look at your Options > Security > General Settings, scroll to the bottom... above or below **services** is any thing listed or policy named?
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Old 10-08-2009, 10:32 AM   #6
jsconyers
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JSanders View Post
Wiping the device via Options > Security does not remove a BES IT Policy. If the device was connected to the BES, and the BES Admin has not removed you from the BES, then after the Security wipe, the IT Policy can be pushed right back to the device.

How did you wipe the device?

Look at your Options > Security > General Settings, scroll to the bottom... above or below **services** is any thing listed or policy named?
The IT policy does not technically get pushed back to the device, but it remains on the device during a wipe. It never gets removed.

Good call, JS. OP, follow these steps to remove the IT policy if there's one on your device:

Remove IT Policy - BlackBerryFAQ
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Old 10-08-2009, 10:34 AM   #7
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True, other JS.
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Old 10-08-2009, 10:45 AM   #8
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A wipe will break the connection with the BES, period. Even if the IT Policy is still on the device, the only way to reconnect with the BES is to perform an Enterprise Activation, which can't occur unless the user types in their email and activation password on the device (manaully). It can't just be pushed to start up on a device.

Good practice, though, to remove the IT Policy so as to remove any restrictions on the device.
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Old 10-08-2009, 11:39 AM   #9
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Thanks JW... see, I am willing to learn.
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Old 10-13-2009, 11:22 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by !VIM! View Post
... it is pure a conspiracy theory on my part.
Never mind all these other posts. You ARE being watched. The government is tracking you through the nanoprobes injected into your fingertips and brain each time you use that BlackBerry. Then your former company is using the profits you earned for them to pay the government for the tracking information. Be afraid, be VERY afraid.

Whenever you scratch in a private area, the government is tracking it. Be sure to give them a good shot of Mr. Brown Eye.
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Old 10-15-2009, 02:16 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarthBBerry View Post
Never mind all these other posts. You ARE being watched. The government is tracking you through the nanoprobes injected into your fingertips and brain each time you use that BlackBerry. Then your former company is using the profits you earned for them to pay the government for the tracking information. Be afraid, be VERY afraid.

Whenever you scratch in a private area, the government is tracking it. Be sure to give them a good shot of Mr. Brown Eye.
Darth, that was so wrong. (although I did chuckle)
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Old 10-20-2009, 11:09 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlanM View Post
Darth, that was so wrong. (although I did chuckle)
Would you expect anything less from me?
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Old 10-25-2009, 05:16 PM   #13
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The only reason they let you keep the phone is so they could continue monitoring your activities.

There are other ways to access your Blackberry besides through the usual BES methods. Removing the IT policies will not guarantee your privacy, especially if you have teathered and files unknown to you have been placed on your laptop.

You should contact your provider immediately and report this activity for documentation purposes. It will be best for you to ditch that phone and get a new account (don't upgrade the original account!) as you can't change the PIN number of that phone. Keep in mind that SMS texts are particularly vulnerable to being compromised.

The government only cares if you're looking to blow something up or steal a sizable amount of money from them. The majority of companies with skilled IT personnel are, have been, and will continue to access personal accounts of employees regardless of any law or moral standard.

Also, I suggest to freely contact former staff and clients without fear of retaliation. Sometimes the very best way to eliminate your paranoia (which is valid) via the dishonest activities of another party (them monitoring your blackberry) is to go ahead and do exactly what they don't want you to do.
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Old 10-25-2009, 05:38 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by darkblueberry View Post
The only reason they let you keep the phone is so they could continue monitoring your activities.
This is far from the truth. How can you make such a blanket statement?

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkblueberry View Post
There are other ways to access your Blackberry besides through the usual BES methods. Removing the IT policies will not guarantee your privacy, especially if you have teathered and files unknown to you have been placed on your laptop.
You do realize that wiping the device or removing the policy will break the connections with the BES, correct? What other means are you referring to?

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkblueberry View Post
You should contact your provider immediately and report this activity for documentation purposes. It will be best for you to ditch that phone and get a new account (don't upgrade the original account!) as you can't change the PIN number of that phone. Keep in mind that SMS texts are particularly vulnerable to being compromised.
Get a new account? A new phone account? How could your employer have access to your personal account? Please explain.

Quote:
Originally Posted by darkblueberry View Post
The government only cares if you're looking to blow something up or steal a sizable amount of money from them. The majority of companies with skilled IT personnel are, have been, and will continue to access personal accounts of employees regardless of any law or moral standard.

Also, I suggest to freely contact former staff and clients without fear of retaliation. Sometimes the very best way to eliminate your paranoia (which is valid) via the dishonest activities of another party (them monitoring your blackberry) is to go ahead and do exactly what they don't want you to do.

I think you're more paranoid than the OP.
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When you take things for granted, the things you are granted, get taken.
Even a mosquito doesn't get a pat on the back until it starts to work.
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[BES 5.0.3 / GroupWise 2012 HP2]
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Old 10-26-2009, 10:04 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsconyers View Post
I think you're more paranoid than the OP.
Word.
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Old 10-26-2009, 02:22 PM   #16
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LOL... Mr. Brown eye
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Old 10-26-2009, 03:05 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by darkblueberry View Post
The only reason they let you keep the phone...

psychotic ranting removed

...go ahead and do exactly what they don't want you to do.
Wow. How big is your head? I ask because I want to know just how much tin foil to send you for Christmas so you can make yourself a nice hat.
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Old 10-26-2009, 03:12 PM   #18
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Yes, this guy is extremely paranoid.

Get that foil ready, Ian.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...ml#post1458933
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Even a mosquito doesn't get a pat on the back until it starts to work.
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Old 10-26-2009, 05:48 PM   #19
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I just read that link, jsconyers, and it is truly scary that there are people this paranoid walking amongst us. *shudder*
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Old 10-27-2009, 08:36 AM   #20
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I see dead smartphones.
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