Star EnForcer - counters the mobile theft

[Guest stargate]

This little utility will automatically detect if the SIM card of a smartphone or pocket pc was replaced. Star EnForcer will automatically send a SMS message to a previously specified phone number containing the new SIM IMSI and current location in hexa LAC-CID combination. The message will repeat every 30 minutes.

http://www.fightersoft.ro/sef/index.htm

How does it work:

- install the CAB in the phone/ppc memory (not the storage card). Make sure that you have installed it in \Program Files\SEF

- launch SEF - initially there is no password so press OK. Press Get IMSI. If a long number will appear then it means that the application is compatible with your smartdevice. Mostly C600 - based models should work, C500, Wizard PPCs etc

- input the phone number that you want to use in case your smartdevice is stolen (use a parent's mobile phone, a friend's etc)

- input a password

- press save

- press activate

Now... in case someone steals your phone the first thing they will do is to (obviously) replace the SIM. SEF will automatically detect that the SIM has been replaced by comparing IMSI information. After 30 minutes SEF will automatically send a SMS to the predefined phone number that will include the current SIM's IMSI and the current GSM location (LAC-CID combination in hexa). With the first information and the fact that you will clearly see the thief's phone number you can go to the network operator or the police. If the thief is using a SIM with a subscription he is nailed. If he is using a prepay SIM then at least you will draw comfort from the fact that the credit from that SIM will be drained in a few days because the fact that SEF will automatically repeat the message every 30 minutes (you will also be able to track the thief). With the second information you can either go to the network operator or take your chances that MTS - http://www.fightersoft.ro/mts/index.htm will have this location in the database.

Remember, SEF doesn't require a GPRS connection. It will send SMSes to you from everywhere in the world.

Now let's suppose that you really want to replace the SIM card. Follow these steps:

- make a copy of starenforcer.exe in the same folder (very important). Run the copy. Insert the password and press deactivate.

- restart your smartdevice.

- launch SEF from the start menu, input your password and get the new IMSI, press save and that's it.

This is far from a perfect sollution with obvious flaws. However, please don't advertise them and if you have any ideeas on how to improuve security, please tell me in private. In my opinion, this software is more than a match for the clueless bus thief.

User feedback is always welcome and appreciated.

Edited October 22, 2006 by stargate

[Guest orka]

I tried this program on a Qtek 8100 (HTC Amadeus) running WM2003. During installation I choosed to install to Phone which puts it in \Storage\Program Files\SEF. Then when executing SEF I get an error message.

I created a folder called \Program Files\SEF and moved the three files there and now the program starts.

Nothing happens when when pressing Get IMSI though :)

Is there anything I can do to get this to work?

[Guest stargate]

It seems that the application can't access the internal GSM modem of your device because it is not situated at COM9 or it is in use.

[Guest orka]

COM9 says (QDATA) on my phone. Is this the internal modem?

[Guest stargate]

I am not sure. By the way, when you try to get the IMSI, make sure that you are not connected to gprs (look for the G at the signal strength).

[Guest orka]

Tried with the GRPS disconnected but still no IMSI. Also tried in Flight Mode but gets same error. Even tried another SIM card from a different provider.

Here's a list of my COM ports:

COM0 Xpanel

COM1 Serial Cable on COM1:

COM2 QCMD

COM3 IrCOMM

COM4 Infrared Port

COM9 QDATA

Is there maybe another way to find out my IMSI and enter it manually?

[Guest stargate]

There is no reason to enter it manually because the program will not automatically detect a SIM change therefore it will defeat the purpose.

Hopefuly I will be able to implement support for your device soon. I am sorry that this version doesn't work for you.

[Guest olly_k]

This little utility will automatically detect if the SIM card of a smartphone or pocket pc was replaced. Star EnForcer will automatically send a SMS message to a previously specified phone number containing the new SIM IMSI and current location in hexa LAC-CID combination. The message will repeat every 30 minutes.

http://www.fightersoft.ro/sef/index.htm

How does it work:

- install the CAB in the phone/ppc memory (not the storage card). Make sure that you have installed it in \Program Files\SEF

- launch SEF - initially there is no password so press OK. Press Get IMSI. If a long number will appear then it means that the application is compatible with your smartdevice. Mostly C600 - based models should work, C500, Wizard PPCs etc

- input the phone number that you want to use in case your smartdevice is stolen (use a parent's mobile phone, a friend's etc)

- input a password

- press save

- press activate

Now... in case someone steals your phone the first thing they will do is to (obviously) replace the SIM. SEF will automatically detect that the SIM has been replaced by comparing IMSI information. After 30 minutes SEF will automatically send a SMS to the predefined phone number that will include the current SIM's IMSI and the current GSM location (LAC-CID combination in hexa). With the first information and the fact that you will clearly see the thief's phone number you can go to the network operator or the police. If the thief is using a SIM with a subscription he is nailed. If he is using a prepay SIM then at least you will draw comfort from the fact that the credit from that SIM will be drained in a few days because the fact that SEF will automatically repeat the message every 30 minutes (you will also be able to track the thief). With the second information you can either go to the network operator or take your chances that MTS - http://www.fightersoft.ro/mts/index.htm will have this location in the database.

Remember, SEF doesn't require a GPRS connection. It will send SMSes to you from everywhere in the world.

Now let's suppose that you really want to replace the SIM card. Follow these steps:

- make a copy of starenforcer.exe in the same folder (very important). Run the copy. Insert the password and press deactivate.

- restart your smartdevice.

- launch SEF from the start menu, input your password and get the new IMSI, press save and that's it.

This is far from a perfect sollution with obvious flaws. However, please don't advertise them and if you have any ideeas on how to improuve security, please tell me in private. In my opinion, this software is more than a match for the clueless bus thief.

User feedback is always welcome and appreciated.

Hi Stargate, this is potentially a great little program and I hope you don't give up supporting it!

Anyway I have tried on both my C600 & E650 and unfortunately the only time I can get either phone to text is when I select the test. I have noticed that the IMSI information seems to dissapear when restarting the program.

Also when I swapped sims on restarting the C600 I noticed this program briefly appeared at startup but again without the IMSI info...

Could you shed light on this please?

Olly.

[Guest stargate]

Hmm wierd. If you can get the IMSI from the UI it should work at startup as well. Do you have other applications in startup? Anyway, a new release of SEF is underway that should support more devices.

[Guest olly_k]

Hmm wierd. If you can get the IMSI from the UI it should work at startup as well. Do you have other applications in startup? Anyway, a new release of SEF is underway that should support more devices.

No other apps on startup..

Looking forward to the REPLACE INTO...

Can I suggest something? Could you get the program to prompt the user to re-enter the password when initially entering? Think that's it for now!

Olly.

Edited September 9, 2007 by olly_k

[Guest smith_ts]

Just ran across this, is it too good to be true?

Has anyone tried it?

[Guest b o o]

Doesnt seem to work with the samsung black jack II WM6... If there are any future releases that support the blackjack II please let me know

[Guest b o o]

Doesnt seem to work with the samsung black jack II WM6... If there are any future releases that support the blackjack II please let me know

[Guest orka]

I tried Star EnForcer on a HTC S730. The program installs nicely but nothing happens when pressing Get IMSI.

[Guest tsutton]

Considering this was made in 2006, which is the Windows Mobile 2003/5 period, most phones are now WM6, so his program might not work with the new operating system.