It’s been said that the only way to keep your computer safe is to keep it offline. But, a New York Times report says that won’t keep you safe from the prying eyes of our friends at the NSA.
TNW:
Citing leaked documents, the paper claims that the NSA has developed “a secret technology” which taps into radio waves to access computers and hardware, even those that are offline.
The ploy requires a radio-transmitting device – say a USB or other type of peripheral – to be connected to the computer. This could be done by an agent, the manufacturer, or even the user themselves. Such devices could be disguised as a standard USB cable, flash drive, or other common peripheral.
The gleaned information can then be sent to a briefcase-sized relay station that can be set up miles away from the target.
While there is no evidence the technology has been used inside the United States, it is another worrisome development for those concerned with keeping their hardware safe from the prying eyes of spies, both “friend” and foe.
