ee5391aa@hydra.unm.edu (Duke McMullan n5gax) (10/28/89)
I don't remember who posted this -- rn bombed every time I tried to followup,
so this is coming from pn.
Quote:
I've seen a device that fits over your phone advertised in this last summer's
issues of High Times (what? You don't read HT?) . Basically you have one at
each end and it fits over the handset. It has a keypad and allows some fairly
large number of possible codes. The person on the other end must be using the
same code.
I'm pretty certain it was digital. I believe that each handset device
was about $100. It seemed fairly reasonable.
:Unquote
No, I don't read HT, not being a druggie, and preferring to keep a low profile
(LP). Howsowhatyoumayever, this sounds like the "scrambler telephone"
advertised in the latest cataloguette from Phoenix Systems. To wit:
"Protect your phone conversations from eavesdropping techniques and devices.
Our Scrambler Phone Attachment converts ordinary conversation into
unintelligible sounds and then the receiving unit reconverts it back to
ordinary conversation that is as clear as the original transmission. Protects
against taps, recorders, extension pick-ups, linesman's handsets, phone company
monitoring or scanners that pick up mobile cellular phone transmissions. Works
with almost any shape or type of phone -- including cellular phones and pay
phones! Portable -- take it with you anywhere you go to protect your private
phone conversations. Scrambling can be controlled by code, with up to 52,488
possible code combinations. No wires to connect, simply strap it to the phone
with its elastic strap and it is ready to use. Runs on the standard 9-volt
battery. One unit must be used for each phone engaged in the conversation
(minimum of two phones). Conference calls can be made with the Scrambler
Phone attachment provided all participants are using one."
They ask $299.95 each, and they don't even pay the postage. But then, who
does?
I dunno. It might constitute reasonable short-term security, but 52,488
combinations aren't gonna scare off any experienced cryptanalysts, or even
any stubborn private investigators.
I suspish (I've never worked with these models, so I don't KNOW) that it
wouldn't take terribly long to decipher a good recording of a "secure"
conversation made with these units.
How about it? Is anyone out there familiar (as in hands-on) with this type
of gear, and has anyone any experience in penetrating them? (Assuming, of
course, that you're permitted to talk about it.)
Phoenix Systems, if anyone's interested, is a macho supply company of the sort
that seems popular out here in the West, not unknown in the Southeast, but is
far too politically incorrect to be permitted in the Northeast. They are:
Phoenix Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 3339
Evergreen, CO 80439
303-277-0305
I'm not connected with them; I've never even ordered from them. They musta
gotten my name from a purchased mailing list.
I think I'll move to Phoenix, and start a mail-order macho supply house called
Evergreen Systems...nah, I guess I won't.
Let's keep it going; it's getting interesting,
d
I've been to Australia, so now I know what
the inside of a kangaroo's pouch feels like. -- Anon.
Duke McMullan n5gax nss13429r phon505-255-4642 ee5391aa@hydra.unm.edu