N.S.A. Devises Radio Pathway Into Computers

[Capt Worley PE]

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.

Much, much more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/us/nsa-effort-pries-open-computers-not-connected-to-internet.html?hp&_r=0

 

[knight1fox3]

Not necessarily a bad thing if say, using for military/co-vert operations. I don't really see how it would be practical to use for the common consumer unless suspected of terrorism etc.

Perhaps it's time to convert my USB devices to Thunderbolt. LOL

 

[Capt Worley PE]

I don't really see how it would be practical to use for the common consumer unless suspected of terrorism etc.

They built this big place out in Utah.....

"Just store it now. We may have use for it later."

 

[knight1fox3]

^ Warehouse 13? :dunno:

 

[Master slacker]

NSA?,?,