-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Tips on Telephone Privacy II Written By: TESLA Many people are aware of government telephone taps and other methods of listening in on private telephone conversations, though few are aware that private citizens, with the minimum of equipment and skill can do exactly the same thing, and it is legal. Those who own home satellite dishes can easily receive signals from satellites which contain the microwaved conversations of thousands of long distance callers. The satellite dish owner simply has to scan the various satellites and transponders until he comes across a channel with "dead-air", or a blank soundless screen. This is an indication that the transponder channel may be used for carrying data or telephone conversations. Once the proper satellite and transponder are located, the eavesdropper runs an antenna line (Shielded, of course) from the video output of the downconverter (necessary for all home satellite reception) to the antenna input of a standard highband scanner. Once the scanner is placed into the "scan" mode, the scanner will stop scanning every time it detects a signal (telephone conversation). The listener simply has to scan the entire range of the band, and stop on any conversation that he feels like listening to. In addition to scanners (which can be purchased anywhere from a hundred, to thousands of dollars),one may also use a shortwave radio for the same purpose. The connections are all the same. While the average eavesdropper may not be able to locate a specific conversation (intentionally),experienced persons may be able to pinpoint a specific conversation by knowing where the call is being placed from, and to, in advance. This allows the listener to determine the exact routing that the call will take (Which satellite,which transponder). Because of recent court rulings which declare that the airwaves are public domain, and that the monitoring of frequencies used by mobile and other type of cellular telephones does not constitute an invasion of privacy, satellite monitoring is not considered illegal. In fact, it is suspected that several law enforcement agencies (with the assistance of telephone companies) are using these tactics to gather evidence rather than obtaining a court order for a traditional wiretap. With all the privacy invasion tactics that can be used by the government, as well as private citizens, one should be very conservative as to what forms of communications are used, and where. Never say anything on a telephone that you wouldn't yell out in a shopping mall. Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253