Report reveals FBI can remotely scan your computer without your knowledge
FREE Catholic Classes
A former FBI official has confirmed that the FBI has at its disposal, and readily uses, malware to spy on you, including activating your webcam to watch you without your knowledge. So far, the surveillance needs a court-provided warrant to be conducted, but the fact the technology exists has privacy advocates alarmed.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
12/10/2013 (1 decade ago)
Published in Technology
Keywords: FBI, surveillance, monitoring, computer, scan, warrant, Fourth Amendment
LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The Washington Post has shared information provided by an ex-FBI official that demonstrates the agency has the power to install malware to your laptop over the internet and can spy on you without your knowledge. Those methods include activating your webcam, searching your internet history, and even downloading copies of your emails.
The revelation marks a trend where authorities are turning increasingly to computers and cloud technology to conduct sweeping surveillance actions that might be inconsistent with the Fourth Amendment.
The most common form of attack uses malware installed via a false link in an email sent to the suspect. When the suspect clicks the link it connects his machine to FBI offices in Quantico, VA, and a bit of malicious code installs itself on his computer.
Using that program, FBI agents can then search through the computer, gleaning evidence and identifying information that can allow them to identify, pinpoint, and incriminate a suspect.
The problem is that the FBI is now hacking the computers. As they hack into these systems, they may find other information unrelated to their initial investigation. Laura K. Donohue, a law professor at Georgetown University, compared the tactic to "a fishing expedition" to the Washington Post.
The Fourth Amendment does not permit authorities to go on such expeditions, requiring detailed and specific accusations or probably cause before a search occurs. Yet, there are no laws which cover these kinds of searches, which are revolutionary in their nature and a reality of the digital world.
A considerable volume of crime now occurs online, with a suspected criminal never leaving the comfort of their home or wherever their internet connection may be. How can officials intercept criminals engaged in malicious activity via an inherently anonymous medium?
So far, the FBI appears to be following the law and asking judges for warrants and guidance in each case. The former FBI official also explained to the Washington Post that the power is used sparingly to prevent controversy.
Yet, the U.S. government has these powers and the NSA in particular uses them routinely to monitor foreign threats.
For now, the technology is being used to capture bad guys, but eventually, as all things are, the point when these new techniques become abused is coming.
A birth foretold: click here to learn more!
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- St. Eugenia: Saint of the Day for Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Christmas Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Wednesday, December 25, 2024
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- St. Adele: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, December 24, 2024
- Christmas Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.