Spying gadgets: Key takeaways from Wikileaks' CIA disclosure

By Team Asianet NewsableFirst Published Mar 9, 2017, 9:21 AM IST
Highlights
  • New reports reveal how CIA circumvents device security to spy on you.
  • It mentions popular platforms including Google's Android, Apple's iOS, Microsoft devices and Samsung Smart TVs.
  • It is also mentions ways to breach popular encrypted apps.

Wikileaks disclosed that the CIA has built a tool that can turn your Samsung Smart TV into a spying device. It should be noted that your Samsung Smart TV comes with microphones, but one can disable them under settings. However, the tool can record conversations even when the device is turned off, according to the report.

 

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According to the documents, CIA is trying to leverage flaws in connected devices and other technology. It has reportedly built tools that can break the encryption of popular apps. Also, target vulnerabilities in Android and iOS to gain access to people's data. This includes 1000 malware systems such as viruses, trojans and so on that can infiltrate personal electronic devices.

 

The tools are believed to have targeted Android phones, iPhones, Smart TVs, and Microsoft devices. Whistle-blower Edward Snowden has also commented on the leaks and said it looks authentic.

 

Still working through the publication, but what @Wikileaks has here is genuinely a big deal. Looks authentic.

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) March 7, 2017

If you're writing about the CIA/@Wikileaks story, here's the big deal: first public evidence USG secretly paying to keep US software unsafe. pic.twitter.com/kYi0NC2mOp

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) March 7, 2017

 

The  report also claims that CIA is targeting control systems used by cars. However, not much is known.

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