Jeffrey Bickford, Rutgers University (IMAGE) Rutgers University Caption Rutgers computer science graduate student Jeffrey Bickford with smart phone used to test malicious "rootkit" software, which attacks the phone's operating system. Researchers showed how rootkits could cause a smart phone to eavesdrop on a meeting, track its owner's travels, or rapidly drain its battery to render the phone useless. Credit Carl Blesch Usage Restrictions Permission is granted to reproduce the image in connection with news coverage of this story. All other rights are reserved. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.