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When the term phone hacking is used in the media as in accusations "The Sun newspaper hacked phones" can someone clarify what the actually mean?

Do they simply dial numbers, get answer phones and if a security code hasn't been set use the default to listen to messages on the phone itself? (Lo - Tech)

Or is it done in a much more hi-tech way where they actually listen in on live conversations, intercepting them as they happen 'James Bond Style' etc?

Always wondered and today I thought I'd ask...

As far as I am aware, the first option you describe.

First option, SP. More 'voicemail' hacking than phone hacking but the latter sounds better.

Thanks guys - Thought as much

I believe the Lo-Tech method was employed in the current run of scandals. A scanner which can eavesdrop on mobile conversations was used for "Squidgygate" but these were subsequently banned. This hi tech method is still feasible however.

IIRC, Squidgygate - and Dianagate - (supposedly) involved analogue scanners, which no longer work with digital phone networks.