Andre Yoskowitz
1 Dec 2011 22:59
For the past few weeks, there has been much ado about Carrier IQ, the rootkit unknowingly pre-loaded in over 100 million smartphones around the world.
The company has been accused of being a rootkit/keylogger pre-installed Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Nokia devices around the world. The software quietly watches and logs all keystrokes entered into the device, including texts. It also monitors location, when you shut your phone off, and who you call.
For more back info on the scandal, check here: Smartphone keylogger/rootkit software company CarrierIQ receives letter from US Senator
That leads us to the quick guide on how to check whether your phone has Carrier IQ running on it.
So far, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, Samsung, Motorola and HTC have all confirmed they use the rootkit on some devices, but no company has confirmed what models. Verizon has vehemently denied using it on any models. So have HP and Microsoft.
This guide requires root access to your device. Most devices are very easily rooted, but you do so at your own risk.
Scroll through the phones here at XDA to find out rooting instructions for your phone.
Download V7 of Trevor Eckhart's Logging Test App, from here.
Install the app, grant it SuperUser permissions.
Hit the "CIQ Checks" button and you will taken to a new screen. In 20 seconds or less, the app will scan for Carrier IQ and hopefully leave you a blank file list, meaning it is not installed.
As of writing, there is no failsafe way to remove the software, but HTC, for one, says they are looking to push a way to uninstall CIQ very soon.