Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Contact    |    RSS icon Twitter icon Facebook icon  
Unexplained Mysteries
You are viewing: Home > News > Conspiracy > News story
Welcome Guest ( Login or Register )  
All ▾
Search Submit

Conspiracy

Mystery phone trackers detected in Washington

By T.K. Randall
April 4, 2018 · Comment icon 9 comments

It remains unclear who is operating these devices. Image Credit: Susan Sterner
Unknown phone-tracking or 'Stingray' devices are thought to be in operation within the D.C. area.
For the first time, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has acknowledged that it has detected 'anomalous activity' consistent with the use of mobile phone surveillance equipment.

Known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers or 'Stingrays', these devices, which are about the size of a suitcase, have been used for years by government and law enforcement agencies both abroad and in the United States.

Capable of tracking cellphones, these devices can also be used to intercept calls and text messages as well as to access other types of private data.

What makes the presence of these devices in the Washington D.C. area particularly alarming in this case is that they may have been deployed by a malicious foreign agency.
"The Department of Homeland Security's (OHS) National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) has observed anomalous activity in the National Capital Region (NCR) that appears to be consistent with International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers," the DHS stated.

"NPPD has not validated or attributed such activity to specific entities or devices. This information was reported to our Federal partners at the time it was observed."

In a recent letter to Sen. Ron Wyden, DHS official Christopher Krebs noted that such activity 'threatens the security of communications, resulting in safety, economic, and privacy risks.'

Wyden has since suggested that stronger encryption is needed to protect domestic communications.

"Despite repeated warnings and clear evidence that our phone networks are being exploited by foreign governments and hackers, FCC Chairman Pai has refused to hold the industry accountable and instead is prioritizing the interests of his wireless carrier friends over the security of Americans' communications," he said.

Source: Gizmodo | Comments (9)




Other news and articles
Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #1 Posted by Piney 7 years ago
They aren't the size of a suitcase anymore. They are the size of a handheld radio. 
Comment icon #2 Posted by White Unicorn 7 years ago
Yeah if any were found that big they might be foreign. 
Comment icon #3 Posted by Piney 7 years ago
Like maybe North Korean? 
Comment icon #4 Posted by White Unicorn 7 years ago
Anything seems possible now days.
Comment icon #5 Posted by and then 7 years ago
Does anyone really expect their communications to be private in DC... or anywhere else, FTM?  
Comment icon #6 Posted by UFOwatcher 7 years ago
If I understand this story, they are talking about "anomalous activity detected" and have NOT actually found Stingray type devices?
Comment icon #7 Posted by pallidin 7 years ago
^^^ THAT ^^^
Comment icon #8 Posted by aztek 7 years ago
nope,. but that can be used in your favor as well
Comment icon #9 Posted by aztek 7 years ago
every other traffic light in nyc has a large box attached to it, city says it is ezpass trackers to study traffic pattern,  and i believe them, i just do not believe  it is all those things do.


Please Login or Register to post a comment.


Our new book is out now!
Book cover

The Unexplained Mysteries
Book of Weird News

 AVAILABLE NOW 

Take a walk on the weird side with this compilation of some of the weirdest stories ever to grace the pages of a newspaper.

Click here to learn more

We need your help!
Patreon logo

Support us on Patreon

 BONUS CONTENT 

For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you can gain access to a wide range of exclusive perks including our popular 'Lost Ghost Stories' series.

Click here to learn more

Recent news and articles