NSA said to sneak into computers using radio

[questionmark]

FORT MEADE, Md., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The National Security Agency has sneaked spy software into nearly 100,000 computers worldwide, sometimes by radio waves, the New York Times reported Wednesday.

No evidence suggests the intelligence agency has implanted its secret software or used its radio frequency technology inside the United States, the Times said, citing NSA documents, U.S. officials and computer experts.

But in its overseas operations, the secret software not only provides surveillance intelligence but can also create a digital avenue for launching cyberattacks, the newspaper said.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2014/01/15/NSA-said-to-sneak-into-computers-using-radio-waves/UPI-95701389769200/#ixzz2qTlmiTUg

[DeWitz]

Not surprising, sad to say--where there's technology the 'Spooks' will play. Is "the intelligence community" an oxymoron?

[Xynoplas]

Likely half-truths as usual.

Any computer that is not shielded, emanates bunches of RF noise which can be tapped into and listened to.

[questionmark]

Likely half-truths as usual.

Any computer that is not shielded, emanates bunches of RF noise which can be tapped into and listened to.

That would not be new, but if they are capable of changing information on a unconnected computer that surely would be.

[Rlyeh]

As the article points out, the computer needs hardware installed in order to be controlled by radio.

[EllJay]

Well, if I would hazard a guess I would say that the computer they prepped was mostly rack-servers sold to companies, to be put in their server room used for their intranet, without any access to the internet. I hardly think they messed with ordinary desktops or laptops, unless they knew that a certain particular computer would be sold to a certain person they want to monitor.

[Dark_Grey]

The NSA is a big shiny tool used to blackmail prominent officials in the US. Pretty sure they care more about domestic tampering than they do internationally.