Jealous Wives and Girlfriends Can Now Snoop on their Partner using a Spy Belt

Jealous wives and girlfriends can snoop on their fellas with a spy gadget disguised as a belt.

A tracking device hidden in the leather monitors the wearer’s location every 60 seconds. And it can be controlled remotely through Android and iPhone apps without the wearer noticing.

Unwary men could receive one as a present without knowing what they have let themselves in for.

The Belt Tracker, sold by Spymaster, in Marylebone, London, has a 12-hour battery life and can be used in 220 countries without incurring data roaming charges. It even has a flight safe mode to comply with airline regulations.

The GPS device was originally designed to monitor people working in dangerous environments, such as undercover police. And it can be used to track children and give peace of mind to parents. more

New Spy Briefcase Tracks Itself... and much more

The iMbrief is designed to function as a mobile office and is aimed at being fashionable, secure and versatile. First thing's first, of course, it provides users with a means of storing and transporting documents securely, with an LED light inside to illuminate the contents.

• Access to the iMbrief is via a fingerprint scanner or the accompanying mobile app.
• It has a Kensington lock slot.
• A siren to warn users of any unauthorized access attempts and to scare thieves.
• An SD card slot for internal data storage.
• A Wi-Fi SD card allows data to be accessed wirelessly.
• Mobile devices can be charged both internally and externally (four USB charging ports in total)
• A GPS sensor allows the location of the iMbrief to be tracked.
• Can be use to play music and calendar appointments via its built-in Bluetooth speakers.
• The speaker is used as the security siren as well.

The case is charged via a USB port and takes around two hours for a full charge of the 5,000 mAh primary battery. A full charge can apparently last for over a month if only the fingerprint scanner is being used, but if it runs out of power, it must be charged before it can be opened again.


The briefcase has an aluminum-alloy shell and is will be offered in grey, black and burgundy if it reaches the market (December or January). It weighs around 4 lb (1.8 kg) and measures 450 x 330 x 95 mm (17.7 x 13 x 3.7 in). It is available with a detachable shoulder strap. more

I'm in!

Yet More Invisibility Eyeglasses

This year, AVG will reveal a set of concept invisibility glasses at Pepcom in Barcelona before Mobile World Congress. 

What are invisibility glasses?

Developed by AVG Innovation Labs, the glasses help protect your visual identity in the digital age.

Through a mixture of technology and specialist materials, privacy wearables such as invisibility glasses can make it difficult for cameras or other facial recognition technologies to get a clear view of your identity.

...there are generally two different methods of combating unwanted facial recognition:

Infrared Light
The idea is to place infrared LEDs inserted around the eyes and the nose areas. Since the infrared lights are completely invisible to human eyes, they are only detectable by cameras which are sensitive to the wavelengths of these LEDs. They claim to break face detection when the lights are on.

In this example we show how infrared can be used to avoid Facebook’s facial recognition technology.

Retro-reflective Materials
These specialist materials help maintain your privacy at the moment that the image is actually taken.

PS - This is a proof-of-concept project. Not for sale. However, you can make your own.

Other glasses.

Note: Many cell phone cameras have infrared cutoff filters built into their lenses... and you can bet law enforcement facial recognition systems do too.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Jammin' Cloak

Austrian architecture firm Coop-Himmelblau has designed a Snuggie-like piece of clothing that jams the wearer's phone, effectively rendering him invisible. 

The Jammer Coat shields the phone from wireless signals, so the device becomes undetectable to things like search engines or tracking software, and there's no way for anyone to pull credit card information.

Click to enlarge.

The code is basically a Faraday cage, with metals embedded in the fabric that reflect incoming radio waves, protecting the wearer from unwittingly sharing any information on any device beneath it.

Apparently, one of the cloak's most useful features is its lumpy pattern, which acts as a disguise for would-be phone hackers and thieves.

"The Wave Circle pattern of the fabric gives an illusion of strange multiple body parts, which hides and frees the individual physicality," the product's website states. (more)

Firstcall Chair - The New Cone of Silence

‘Firstcall’ chair is designed to keep your personal conversation from escaping out while its doughnut like backrest is inclined in such a way so as to hide your face.


Developed by Dutch designer Ruud van Wier in collaboration with manufacturer Easy NoiseControl, the ‘Firstcall’ chair is made in a recognizable shape of a classic old phone. It has sound-absorbing upholstery to block surrounding noise ensuring you can concentrate despite being surrounded by people.


The design of the First Call phone chair is directed to short calls. It is therefore not chosen an easy chair where you can doze or not to stand out. Suitable locations include offices, waiting rooms, showrooms, shops, and public places such as airports or scholarships.


The chair is available in 32 colors across the Firstcall retails at Easy NoiseControl for €2,900 (or around $3,970). (more) (more)

FutureWatch: Infrared Night Scope in a Contact Lens

Thermal imaging has already found its way onto smartphones, but a team of researchers from the University of Michigan (U-M) have gone even further with the creation of an ultrathin graphene-based light detector. 

Being only slightly thicker than two sheets of graphene, the approach has the potential to put infrared heat detecting technology into a contact lens...

“We can make the entire design super-thin,” states Zhaohui Zhong, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science at U-M, "It can be stacked on a contact lens or integrated with a cell phone." (more)

Privacy Art that Tells You a Story... really

This company (lithographs.com) turns the text of various books into a piece of appropriately themed text-art and makes lithographs, tees and tote-bags out of it. 

Cory Doctorow announced that the company has produced a line of Lithographs based on his novel Little Brother, with a gorgeous anti-surveillance design by Benjy Brooke. (more)

via wikipedia.com...
Little Brother is a novel by Cory Doctorow, published by Tor Books. It was released on April 29, 2008. The novel is about four teenagers in San Francisco who, in the aftermath of a terrorist attack on the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge and BART system, defend themselves against the Department of Homeland Security's attacks on the Bill of Rights. The novel is available for free on the author's website under a Creative Commons license, keeping it accessible to all.

The book debuted at No. 9 on The New York Times Best Seller list, children's chapter book section, in May 2008. As of July 2, it had spent a total of six weeks on the list, rising to the No. 8 spot. Little Brother won the 2009 White Pine Award, the 2009 Prometheus Award. and the 2009 John W. Campbell Memorial Award. It also was a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Novel. Little Brother received the Sunburst Award in the young adult category. 

The New York Times says, “Little Brother isn't shy about its intent to disseminate subversive ideas to a young audience. The novel comes with two afterword essays by cryptographer and computer security specialist Bruce Schneier, and hacker Andrew "bunnie" Huang, and has a bibliography of techno-countercultural writings, from Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" to Schneier’s "Applied Cryptography." (more)

Secret Agent Suits - Odds Are You Live to See Tomorrow

"We offer our clients a bullet-proof suit to keep them safe during their travels to dangerous places for work. We wanted to create a lightweight garment that not only looks professional, but can also act as reliable body armor. The idea was to create a stylish and discreet alternative to wearing a bulky bullet proof vest underneath a suit. This way, our clients, wouldn’t have to worry about looking awkward during meetings, and they can travel to work feeling comfortable, safe, and confident.

This past year, Garrison Bespoke worked alongside suppliers for the US 19th Special Forces in developing the custom bulletproof suit. Using nanotechnology, it’s comprised of the same carbon nanotubes designed for the US troops’ uniforms in Iraq. Yet, the patented suit material is a lot thinner and flexible; fifty percent lighter than Kevlar (the material commonly used in bullet-proof gear). The entire suit acts like a shield, with nanotubes in the fabric hardening to block force from penetrating through.

The Garrison Bespoke bullet proof suit was made to fulfill three important expectations: First, to be modern and stylish. Second, to be light and comfortable. And, third, to be reliable and safe. After putting the suit to test, we can proudly say that all expectations have been met." (more)

Prices start around $20,000.00.

Hey, kids! Want a smart watch? All right. Who said "house arrest ankle bracelet"?!?!

AT&T announced a new smart device that goes on the wrist today, but it’s not the Galaxy Gear. This is the Filip, a pseudo-smartwatch for kids that parents can use to keep tabs on their offspring with an unparalleled level of accuracy. This device acts as a phone, GPS tracker, and a panic button all in one somewhat awkward package.

The Filip plugs into an iOS or Android app that allows parents to set five trusted numbers that the watch can place calls to. The announcement glosses over the phone call functionality, but it appears to be entirely speakerphone-based. The app is also used to pull locations from the watch in real time, send direct SMS, and set up “Safe Zones.” A Safe Zone is basically a geo-fence that the watch is supposed to stay inside of. If it leaves the Safe Zone, an alert will be pushed to the smartphone app. This is truly helicopter parenting gone high-tech...

There are only two buttons on the Filip, one of which is a big red panic button. When it’s held for three seconds, the device will go into emergency mode and start ambient sound recording. It also sends text messages to all five trusted numbers and places a call to the first number in the list. False alarms will be quite the affair.

AT&T will be the exclusive network provider for the Filip, but no pricing has been announced. The closest thing to a release date is “in the coming months.” (more)

Is Your Cell Phone Talking to Your Carrier, or Behind Your Back to a Rogue?

It's not easy to tell, but very important if you want to have a confidential conversation.

What is a rogue or IMSI catcher?
"An IMSI catcher is essentially a false mobile tower acting between the target mobile phone(s) and the service providers real towers. As such it is considered a Man In the Middle (MITM) attack. It is used as an eavesdropping device used for interception and tracking of cellular phones and usually is undetectable for the users of mobile phones. Such a virtual base transceiver station (VBTS) is a device for identifying the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) of a nearby GSM mobile phone and intercepting its calls." (more)

Folks with a Cryptophone know...

"Each week an increasing number of Cryptophone customers are becoming aware of disturbing, yet unfortunately not surprising changes to the cellular network in their area.

This screenshot sent in by a customer shows the Cryptophone 500 alerting them to changes in the mobile network. In this case standard network encryption has been turned off. This is often an indication that a rogue base station or “IMSI Catcher” is active in the area.

While this knowledge would be of great to concern to most people, Cryptophone users can rest easy knowing that even in the presence of an ‘active’ attack’s like this, their communications are still completely secure." (more) (more)

Think the problem is theoretical? 

"Recently leaked brochures advertising next generation spy devices give outsiders a glimpse into the high-tech world of government surveillance. And one of the most tantalizing of the must-have gizmos available from a company called GammaGroup is a body-worn device that surreptitiously captures the unique identifier used by cell phones." (more)

"Hacker intercepts phone calls with homebuilt $1,500 IMSI catcher, claims GSM is beyond repair" (more) 

"Septier IMSI Catcher (SIC) has been designed as a tactical solution intended to extract GSM entities. Based on the Septier GUARDIAN infrastructure, Septier IMSI Catcher provides its users with the capability of extracting IMSI and IMEI of GSM Mobile Stations (MS) that are active in the system's effective range.

Septier IMSI Catcher is the perfect solution for both extracting identities from MS in its area of coverage (when these identities are previously unknown) and detecting the presence of known cell phones in the area, notifying the system user about those phones. Septier IMSI Catcher can be equipped with an add-on 3G module that allows identity extraction for 3G cell phones as well. It has several configurations that allow meeting the specific requirements of every operation and are suitable for various working conditions." (more)

Wiretapping Sparks Naked Protest

FEMEN activists shed clothes in front of Ukrainian embassy in Berlin...

Ukraine based feminist movement group, FEMEN has said that they are moving their office out of Ukraine's capital, Kiev after their telephone calls were wiretapped. 

A day prior, the police had alleged that a cache of illegal weapons were discovered from their headquarters.
The group is said to be moving out because of security concerns. The FEMEN group has said that the wiretapping incident has made the place impossible to work. (more)

Imagine what would happen if they were really bugged.

Stealth Wear for the Reg Blank in All of Us

The Tin Foil Hat folks have upgraded for the 21st Century. 
New types of stealth clothing are being developed. 
They thwart video and infrared surveillance techniques.  

Here is a brief rundown...


Stealth sunglasses.

 







Stealth handbag.


Stealth cap.

 
Stealth clothing.



TV Hat (More for video viewing rather than video stealth, but worth a peek :)

"What's a Reg Blank?" I hear you say... 
Reg is a "blank", a person not indexed in the government's database. (more) (video)
He sez... "All day every day, making tomorrow seem like yesterday."

Need a Tin Foil Hat to go with all your new anti-there gear? Check here.

Spy Camera Glasses - Austin Powers is Thrilled

Question Mark & the Mysterians may sue... 

from the manufacturer...
"Ankaka launches Innovative Spy Camera Glasses Espionage. The high tech spy gadget manufacturer Ankaka is back!

This time they bring people the Spy Camera Glasses espionage-spy-camera-sunglasses; Very stylish and comfortable to use, this latest make of high quality spy gadgets enables people to walk around with no worries as people spy on their subject..." (more) (video)

CUT! 
Enough already. This insults the word covert. It's time to stop applying the word "spy" to everything. (grab your glasses and sing-a-long)

Need an "I'm not here" outfit to go with the Mysterian glasses?

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or "drones") are fast becoming an ever-present eye in the sky, potentially granting governments greater strike and surveillance capabilities than even Orwell’s fictional Big Brother could hope to wield. In response, NYC artist Adam Harvey has created a series of garments which claim to reduce the effectiveness of UAVs.

Harvey’s garments include an anti-drone hoodie and scarf, which are designed to block the thermal imaging cameras used by many airborne drones. The designer also created a burqa which appears to function in much the same way.
 

Click to enlarge

Harvey is currently selling the designs, and would-be shoppers can pick up an anti-drone hoodie for £315 (or around US$500).
 
The Stealth Wear collection is on display in the UK at Primitive London until January 31. (more)

Feeb to Fed Xmas Files Secret Flash Sale

On Dec. 20, for the first time in its history, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will open its New York store at 26 Federal Plaza to federal employees for a limited time.

Selling a full line of FBI-branded clothing and merchandise—hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, patches, pens and coins—the store will only be open a brief four hours, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some items are priced as low as $2, boasted an email sent earlier this week to federal staffers. The store is run by the FBI Recreation Association, a nonprofit headquartered in Washington D.C. Representatives did not return calls requesting comment about this flash sale opportunity. (more)   

Can't go? :(   
Shop here! :)

Mannequin Spies - Will Dummy Shoppers Revolt?

An Italian firm selling mannequins that secretly monitor the age, race and gender of customers using facial recognition software has come under fire from privacy groups. The information logged by the dummies is then used to implement more effective marketing strategies by stores in the US and Europe.

And the manufacturer now plans to add audio recording to the dummies' capabilities, listening in on customers' discussions about their clients' products.

Click to enlarge

The mannequins, known as "EyeSee" are manufactured by Italian company Almax and retail for £3,200 each.

Privacy campaigners agree, describing the technology as "creepy" and "totally disproportionate."

Emma Carr, deputy director of campaign group Big Brother Watch, told the Daily Mail newspaper: "The use of covert surveillance technology by shops, in order to provide a personalised service, seems totally disproportionate.

"The fact that the cameras are hidden suggests that shops are fully aware that many customers would object to this kind of monitoring. 

"Keeping cameras hidden in a mannequin is nothing short of creepy." (more)

As Seen on Predicted on TV in 1960!

(YouTube)

 

What the Well Dressed Spy Wants for Christmas

Upon first glance, it appears to be a standard pair of cuff links.

However, a covert, hidden handcuff key has been engineered in to the design. This concealed hand cuff key will to open almost all Standard Hand cuffs. It’s also designed to hold your French Cuffs closed. A must have for any international SPY or the average citizen looking for some styling carbon fiber inlaid cuff links that happen to open hand cuffs.

*WARNING: The use of this product may result in you being shot.*

Don’t Break the law. 
You are not Bond'ed. (more) (more weird cufflinks)

Spy Tie Helps Make the Collar

via GeekAlerts.com...
Are you a spy and in need of a new camera that others won’t notice? This Spy Camera Tie with Wireless Remote will help and make you a well dressed James Bond.

Click to enlarge.

It looks just like a regular tie, but it records audio & video. It comes with a remote control and a built-in 4GB DVR. The built in USB port makes it easy to transfer data. This spy gadget will record up to 3 hours per single charge so you can get plenty of footage.

($70 at Amazon.com)

Why do I mention it?
So you will know what you are up against.
~Kevin

"Try this one on. It broadcasts you!" -R.F. Burns, Haberdasher

Antenna clothes help phone signal

Radio antennas that can be sewn directly onto clothes have been developed by US researchers. The team from Ohio State University created a prototype using plastic film and metallic thread.

The scientists reported in an IEEE journal that the system's range is four times greater than that of a conventional antenna worn on the body.

The technology could potentially be applied in a number of fields, but is primarily designed for military use. (more)

Keep the Guards Awake - Make them Wear Point & Shoot BulletCams

12 Megapixel 1/2.5 HD CMOS Sensor

• HD Video Resolution 720p (1280x720 Pixel)
• 170° Wide angle
• 10 m water proof
• With Photo Capture Mode:Camera takes a photo every 3 seconds
• Aluminum housing

Top-Details

• High Definition Camcorder 1,280 x 720, 30 fps
• Up to 2 h battery power
• Incl. 4 GB Micro-SD Card
• Incl. splash-proof camera head for improved sound recordings
• Incl. adapter for helmet, goggles, handle bar, 360° universal mount, case, USB cable, power adapter, sealants, lithium-ion battery

Technical features

• Image sensor 12 Megapixel 1/2.5 HD CMOS Sensor
• Objective 170° Wide Angle | Aperture: f = 2.8
• Memory Slot for Micro-SD Card up to 32 GB
• Data format Movie: MPEG codec , AVI file format
• System requierements PC: MS Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 | Mac 10.6.6
• Connectors Mini USB 2.0
• Battery Life Video up to 2 hours with Micro-SD card 32 GB/Class 6
• Power rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
• Dimensions approx. 90 x 30 x 10 mm
• Weight approx. 83 g (without battery)