// Pocket Picks //

Just in case you needed a new reason to be paranoid, a security company has invented a device that can slurp all the data - photos, contacts and SMS - straight off your phone

The Paraben Cellular Seizure Investigation Stick (I’m sure the acronym is pure coincidence) is marketed as a ‘law enforcement’ tool, but is available to the public.  By plugging it into a phone, you can grab all the data in just a few minutes - leaving no trace that anything has been tampered with.

The stick supports around 300 Motorola and Samsung phones at the moment, but support for more models - including those from Nokia and RIM - is promised soon.

To be at risk, you would have to hand over your phone or leave it unattended so there are certainly ways of minimizing your exposure.  Perhaps investing in some encryption would be a good idea too?

I can see these being snapped up by tabloid hacks - particularly those attending events (e.g. film premieres) that require you to turn in your cameraphone at the door..