N.S.A. Devises Radio Pathway Into Computers

Mods - I really didn't know where to put this. If we had a form for "Government Spying on it's people" I'm thinking this article would belong there. Please move as needed.

(Source)

WASHINGTON — The National Security Agency has implanted software in nearly 100,000 computers around the world that allows the United States to conduct surveillance on those machines and can also create a digital highway for launching cyberattacks.

While most of the software is inserted by gaining access to computer networks, the N.S.A. has increasingly made use of a secret technology that enables it to enter and alter data in computers even if they are not connected to the Internet, according to N.S.A. documents, computer experts and American officials.

The technology, which the agency has used since at least 2008, relies on a covert channel of radio waves that can be transmitted from tiny circuit boards and USB cards inserted surreptitiously into the computers. In some cases, they are sent to a briefcase-size relay station that intelligence agencies can set up miles away from the target.

Something that is intriguing is how in the article they say it will not be used for domestic use, yet the majority of the news are the N.S.A. have been around spying on Americans.

No Domestic Use Seen

There is no evidence that the N.S.A. has implanted its software or used its radio frequency technology inside the United States. While refusing to comment on the scope of the Quantum program, the N.S.A. said its actions were not comparable to China’s.

“N.S.A.'s activities are focused and specifically deployed against — and only against — valid foreign intelligence targets in response to intelligence requirements,” Vanee Vines, an agency spokeswoman, said in a statement. “We do not use foreign intelligence capabilities to steal the trade secrets of foreign companies on behalf of — or give intelligence we collect to — U.S. companies to enhance their international competitiveness or increase their bottom line.”

someone post it already www.abovetopsecret.com...

Methinks they doth protest too much.
Funny how the US citizens and their rights are completely disregarded.
Their only concern is that companies don't perceive their actions as being designed to steal trade secrets.
How quaint.

Quantum project - another name to remember, among the dozens of domestic spying programs already revealed
We need some kind of score card to keep up.
I do have to wonder where this is all headed - will the NSA be shut down or just left to run amok?

reply to post by KnightFire


First off... Posse forum - that's for the government treating people like criminals -

Secondly, seriously? This means that the N.S.A. has been infiltrating tech companies and adding in hardware as well as software, probably in violation of the employee-employer contracts.

Third of all - this is huge news. Remember when Michael Hastings died in the car crash. This could be the avenue the N.S.A. or another intelligence agency used to assassinate him.

reply to post by darkbake


Thanks for the insight. Next time I will post something like this in the Posse Forum.

I agree. They have crossed the line and IMO this is huge news. It makes me wonder what other electronic devices they have integrated into.

reply to post by Indigent


Thanks Indigent! I did a search on the article topic and came up blank. I noticed the other thread has their version of the article topic.

reply to post by Asktheanimals


My vote is on "run amok" as they have done since they were established.

Please continue the conversation in the previously posted thread.

Closing