FBI confirms it uses spyware to infect PCs and smartphones

Posted on Saturday, August 03 2013 @ 13:55 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Wall Street Journal dedicated an article to the electronic spying capabilities of the FBI. The article reveals the FBI develops some hacking tools internally and purchases others from the private sector. The bureau typically uses spyware in cases involving crime, child pornography or counterterrorism, but refrains from using these tools when investigating hackers, out of fear the suspect will discover and publicize the technique.

The hacking tools not only focus on PCs but also on smartphone and can be installed remotely using a document or link that loads the spyware when the suspect clicks or views it. In some cases though, the FBI secretly gains physical access to the suspects' PCs and installs malware using a flash drive. Among other things, these tools enable the FBI to remotely activate microphones and cameras in PCs and devices running Google's Android operating system, as well as to track communications and access files.
The FBI "hires people who have hacking skill, and they purchase tools that are capable of doing these things," said a former official in the agency's cyber division. The tools are used when other surveillance methods won't work: "When you do, it's because you don't have any other choice," the official said.

Surveillance technologies are coming under increased scrutiny after disclosures about data collection by the National Security Agency. The NSA gathers bulk data on millions of Americans, but former U.S. officials say law-enforcement hacking is targeted at very specific cases and used sparingly.
Further details can be read at WSJ.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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