Telstra pushing "Scam Protect" app to all Telstra phones

[Jason Xiros]

Heads-up for people with Telstra services:

"...Scam Protect is a free, auto-activated security feature on your Telstra mobile phone service that alerts you to suspicious incoming calls."

Some info (including screenshots) available at <https://www.telstra.com.au/connected/cyber-security-and-safety/protect-yourself-from-scam-calls> but no in-depth detail.

I'm not comfortable with a carrier arbitrarily pushing new apps onto phones (regardless of motivation) and wonder if they have given any thought to devices controlled under MDM?

I'm also uncomfortable with a carrier making moral judgement to the nature of calls. Their job is just to get packets from one place to another.

Anybody know more?

Jason

[Sid E]

What app did they push to your device without your permission?

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[Sid E]

Ok, just for clarity here

"...Scam Protect is a free, auto-activated security feature on your Telstra mobile phone service that alerts you to suspicious incoming calls."

There is no actual "app" involved in this process, as stated its included as part of your service, which makes it more say, provider level instead of end user level, the device itself makes no difference.

You are correct 100% in saying it's our providers job, Telstra or Optus or Voda whatever, to provide packets from start to finish, and in my opinion it shouldn't be interfered with.

Not sure how much you know about modern phone networks, and I'm sure someone else here know more than me, so I'll try and explain it simply so people can understand.

The Scam Protection system probably does things like, confirm the start point of the call is valid - so when scammers rent VoIP systems - Scam Protection will identify that the call isn't originating from where it says it is. 

It also maybe works with websites like ReverseAU, which have an app that helps filter calls, and TrueCaller which is an app that does similar things. 

The difference between the app doing it, and the carrier/provider, is an app can warn you before you call out, and auto block calls instead of showing you "Potential Spam" on an incoming call, as shown in the screenshots on the website.

Systems like this are needed because VoIP is very vulnerable in Australia, and I've spent many hours reporting issues to government departments - who are meant to resolve them - and had zero luck. 

People want to hold someone accountable for the scam problems, and since its mostly done via phone, the carriers are putting the effort in to limit the damage.

Hope that makes sense

Sid