Tracking of a cell phone by a mobile
FBI van (Wireless Intercept and Tracking Team) that seeks to locate a cell phone lacking
GPS tracking by scanning for its emissions. This first became known for its use in tracking hacker
Kevin Mitnick.[1]
Intercepting a cell phone call by a
man-in-the-middle attack, if the option is enabled, and the user makes or receives a call.
Controversy and concerns
Neither the user nor the cell phone provider need to know about Triggerfish for it to be used successfully.[2] A
court order is required, but the device circumvents provisions of
CALEA barring use of
pen register or
trap-and-trace devices.[3]
The device is similar to but distinct from an
IMSI catcher.[4]
On March 28, 2013, the Washington Post reported that federal investigators "routinely" use the systems to track criminal suspects, but sometimes fail to explain the technology sufficiently to
magistrate judges from whom they seek search warrants.[5]