Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

WSJ: FBI Uses Hacking Techniques and Spyware to Gather Evidence

by Fox Van Allen on August 02, 2013

Privacy CollageComputer viruses and spyware are an unavoidable part of life. You can protect against them, but they'll always be out there lurking. That's because hacking is so lucrative – once cybercrooks have their fingers in your laptop, tablet or smartphone, they have access to untold amounts of valuable data and information about you and your life.

It turns out e-villains aren’t the only ones who might be interested in gaining unfettered access to computers using viruses: According to a new Wall Street Journal report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation routinely uses hacking techniques and malware to keep tabs on the digital activities of evil doers.

Spyware is put on suspects’ computers much the same way a typical malicious virus would be – through the use of cleverly disguised links, infected files or via a covertly attached thumb drive. These computer programs are capable of remotely activating cameras and microphones located in smartphones and laptops to collect evidence, all without the alleged criminal’s knowledge.

Once data is collected, the virus sends the information to an independent screening team tasked with removing all irrelevant data swept up by the spyware. Evidence is then handed over to the primary investigators, who use the material to build criminal cases. Unlike the government’s NSA spying efforts, the FBI only hacks suspects’ computers with the permission of the courts and a warrant in hand. And it’s only used as a last resort when traditional methods fail.

Is hacking private citizens’ computers a violation of our right to privacy? Probably not, but still, civil liberties advocates want to make sure people know that the technology exists and is being actively used. “People should understand that local cops are going to be hacking into surveillance targets,” argued the ACLU's Chris Soghoian to the Journal. “We should have a debate about that.”


Topics

Privacy, News, Computers and Software, Internet & Networking, Computer Safety & Support, Phones and Mobile, Blog


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.