Tool to detect Carrier IQ

Bitdefender announced the availability of a new tool that identifies the presence of the controversial mobile network diagnostic tool from Carrier IQ.

Dubbed Carrier IQ Finder, the tool instantly determines if the user’s Android device has been equipped with the Carrier IQ tracking package, and if the device is being monitored.

“Bitdefender values users’ privacy and their right to take informed decisions when entering a deal with a mobile carrier,” said Alexandru B??lan, senior Product Manager of the Bitdefender Mobile Unit.

“Although the manufacturer claims that only some of the information provided through the Carrier IQ application is used by the carrier, the amount of personal data the app has access to raises serious privacy concerns,” he added.

Because the Carrier IQ mobile network diagnostic tool is deeply integrated with the device’s firmware, the Carrier IQ Finder cannot remove it.