New phone cases set out to stop hacking, data privacy invasion
Manufacturer Cirotta is an Israeli startup which specializes in highly advanced smartphone anti-surveillance tech
Cirotta, an Israeli startup specializing in highly advanced smartphone anti-surveillance technology, announced the launch and availability of its anti-hacking phone cases, creating a physical security barrier between cybercriminals and the data on a smartphone.
The cases are independent, non-device, or network-specific. Aesthetically pleasing and functional addition to any phone, the Cirotta case protects a phone from hardware hacks by:
Blocking all camera lenses, stopping hackers from using cameras to gauge the phone's surroundings
Preventing unwanted recordings, conversation tracking, and unauthorized calls
Preventing operating system hacks, and data sweeping when powered on
Using specialized security algorithms to bypass a phone’s active noise filtering system, block the threat of the microphone's external use, and override the GPS to block location discovery
Nullifying discoverable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections and neutralizing NFC
Cybercriminals actively look for weak points they can exploit in smartphones; these include Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth, GPS, microphones, and even cameras. Once connected to a phone, criminals scrub a device for personal information such as financial information, private identity records, contacts, etc.
But beyond the connected phone, it’s possible to load malware onto an iPhone even when it’s off, as a new feature in iOS 15 allows users to locate a phone that is powered off as the chip itself sends a signal using Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).
“Mobile phone technology is the most used form of communication, but it is also the least protected. While there are software solutions to thwart malware attacks, very little has been done to stop cybercriminals from using hardware and communication weaknesses in phones to breach a user's data," says Shlomi Erez, CEO and co-founder at Cirotta.
“Our cases are a non-invasive way for an organization to protect a user’s phone and data. They give users the power to turn their security functionality on and off while remaining 100% operational when in use."
According to the company, its cases are already being put through their paces at several high-profile organizations globally, with great success. Looking ahead, the company is actively working on securing a round of funding to support its manufacturing, marketing, and distribution efforts and a move into the U.S. market.