A device may receive one or more preferences for providing a message-based data service. The device may receive, in a text message and from a mobile device, a content request. The content request may identify content to be obtained via a data connection. The device may filter the content request, based on the one or more preferences, to generate a filtered request. The device may obtain the content based on the filtered request and via a data connection. The device may process the content to prepare the content for providing in a text message. The device may provide the content to the mobile device in a text message after processing the content.

A technical data monitoring device for use with a wireless data monitoring network includes a wireless communications circuit, and at least one technical device/system. The technical data monitoring device establishes a wireless communication link with a programmable interface of a programmable cellular telephone. The device is also configured to send and/or receive wireless packet switched data transmissions, generate data and send data over the wireless communication link for processing by the programmable cellular telephone, and has an associated status condition. Data from the device is (1) sent to be processed and displayed by the programmable cellular telephone and/or (2) sent to be processed and forwarded by the programmable cellular telephone to an Internet website. The device forms part of the wireless data monitoring network in communication with the programmable cellular telephone. The technical device/system can be one of a number of sensors, devices, or systems.

A technical data monitoring device for use with a wireless data monitoring network includes a wireless communications circuit, and at least one technical device/system. The technical data monitoring device establishes a wireless communication link with a programmable interface of a programmable cellular telephone. The device is also configured to send and/or receive wireless packet switched data transmissions, generate data and send data over the wireless communication link for processing by the programmable cellular telephone, and has an associated status condition. Data from the device is (1) sent to be processed and displayed by the programmable cellular telephone and/or (2) sent to be processed and forwarded by the programmable cellular telephone to an Internet website. The device forms part of the wireless data monitoring network in communication with the programmable cellular telephone. The technical device/system can be one of a number of sensors, devices, or systems.

The disclosed computer-implemented method for protecting against outgoing calls to malicious phone numbers may include (1) intercepting, at a computing device, an attempt to initiate an outgoing phone call, (2) disabling, at the computing device and at least temporarily, the attempt, (3) querying a reputation server for a reputation of an outgoing phone number associated with the attempt, (4) receiving, at the computing device, reputation results from the reputation server, and (5) performing a security action comprising displaying, on a user display of the computing device and prior to enabling the attempt, at least a portion of the reputation results. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

A mobile phone number that is been provided by a customer during enrollment is verified for use. SS7 protocol data associated with the mobile phone number is collected and evaluated, and if the condition of the subscriber account associated with the phone number has changed or is inconsistent with the circumstances surrounding the enrollment of the phone number, the phone number is designated as one that is not to be called.

A mobile phone number that is been provided by a customer during enrollment is verified for use. SS7 protocol data associated with the mobile phone number is collected and evaluated, and if the condition of the subscriber account associated with the phone number has changed or is inconsistent with the circumstances surrounding the enrollment of the phone number, the phone number is designated as one that is not to be called.

A mobile phone number that is been provided by a customer during enrollment is verified for use. SS7 protocol data associated with the mobile phone number is collected and evaluated, and if the condition of the subscriber account associated with the phone number has changed or is inconsistent with the circumstances surrounding the enrollment of the phone number, the phone number is designated as one that is not to be called.

A mobile phone number that is been provided by a customer during enrollment is verified for use. SS7 protocol data associated with the mobile phone number is collected and evaluated, and if the condition of the subscriber account associated with the phone number has changed or is inconsistent with the circumstances surrounding the enrollment of the phone number, the phone number is designated as one that is not to be called.

A method for unlocking a touch screen device includes providing a touch screen device in an idle mode. An area or region displayed on a screen of the device in the idle mode is contacted or activated to reveal at least one application icon associated with an active/unlocked state of the device. The region is moved, expanded or dragged to an edge of the device to change a state of the device to an active/unlocked mode and activate the revealed application.

A method for unlocking a touch screen device includes providing a touch screen device in an idle mode. An area or region displayed on a screen of the device in the idle mode is contacted or activated to reveal at least one application icon associated with an active/unlocked state of the device. The region is moved, expanded or dragged to an edge of the device to change a state of the device to an active/unlocked mode and activate the revealed application.