Australia - Sydney will be scanned by sky-high spy cameras to catch arsonists in the act in a world first surveillance operation.
As new statistics reveal that a juvenile is now being charged, cautioned or sent for youth conferencing every five days for lighting fires, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that a network of new generation spy cameras is being planned for Sydney to catch them in the act. (more)
Friday, January 4, 2008
...but, the silver space suit did cause a little envy.
Joseph Weisberg looks about how you would expect a Brooklyn dad and schoolteacher to look, with a bald head, white-flecked beard and baggy leather jacket. So on a recent frigid night, when he ambled down a Park Slope street and surreptitiously passed off a plastic container from a gumball machine to a reporter, nobody noticed.It was one of many examples of spy trade craft that Weisberg, 42, learned while training to be a case officer with the Central Intelligence Agency in the early 1990s. He no longer works there (or so he says), but he has used some of what he learned to write his latest novel, "An Ordinary Spy," which goes on sale today.
The novel, published by Bloomsbury USA, explores the moral complexity and psychological fallout of clandestine service, through a taut plot involving two case officers who meet after bungled foreign assignments a few years apart. Told in restrained prose that reflects the emotional reserve of the characters, the book is more than a thriller. It is also a chronicle of the mundanity of a spy's daily routine - not just the surveillance-detection routes and cryptic cables to headquarters, but also the staff meetings, petty rivalries between colleagues and idle chatter about pension plans. It's not quite "The Office" of espionage, but it's close. (more)
Putin on the dog...
Russia - President Vladimir Putin is to spy on his dog — by kitting her out with a sat-nav collar.
The former KGB agent’s black Labrador Connie often goes missing in woods around his holiday home.
Putin wanted to know about the hi-tech collar when he spoke to Russia’s deputy premier Sergei Ivanov yesterday, just before the launch of a satellite navigation rocket.
Putin asked him in Moscow: “When can I get a device for my dog so she can’t go too far astray?”
Ivanov replied: “Collars will be in the shops from July 2008.” (more)
The former KGB agent’s black Labrador Connie often goes missing in woods around his holiday home.
Putin wanted to know about the hi-tech collar when he spoke to Russia’s deputy premier Sergei Ivanov yesterday, just before the launch of a satellite navigation rocket.
Putin asked him in Moscow: “When can I get a device for my dog so she can’t go too far astray?”
Ivanov replied: “Collars will be in the shops from July 2008.” (more)
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Police to spy on New Year's revelers
Australia - Victorian police [No, not the Bow Street Runners. Police from Victoria, a state in Southern Australia] will be using live camera footage of streets and roads across the state to spot trouble early and control unruly revelers this New Year's Eve.
The surveillance is part of a larger early warning system which may see police 'spying on' potential troublemakers from a state-wide network of cameras.
In the New Year's Eve trial, footage will be taken from cameras operated on city streets by local councils, as well as vision taken from major roads by Vic Roads's Traffic Management Centre. (more)
The same technique was used in New York City last night... and it worked. Helicopter and street cams did their part to assure a safe celebration. I was in Times Square last night and had the opportunity to see it, and hear it (via police scanner) in action. In addition to modern technology, departments like NYPD realized back in the 70's that future law enforcement would need to be cerebral and technical in addition to physical. The 70's education push has filled the ranks with some very smart people. As always, it was a pleasure to see NYPD at work. I wasn't there to see "The Ball" drop. Standing in "a pen" for six hours is not very cerebral. I was on Broadway in Times Square to see Les Paul; the 92 year old legend who made rock and roll possible.
The surveillance is part of a larger early warning system which may see police 'spying on' potential troublemakers from a state-wide network of cameras.
In the New Year's Eve trial, footage will be taken from cameras operated on city streets by local councils, as well as vision taken from major roads by Vic Roads's Traffic Management Centre. (more)
The same technique was used in New York City last night... and it worked. Helicopter and street cams did their part to assure a safe celebration. I was in Times Square last night and had the opportunity to see it, and hear it (via police scanner) in action. In addition to modern technology, departments like NYPD realized back in the 70's that future law enforcement would need to be cerebral and technical in addition to physical. The 70's education push has filled the ranks with some very smart people. As always, it was a pleasure to see NYPD at work. I wasn't there to see "The Ball" drop. Standing in "a pen" for six hours is not very cerebral. I was on Broadway in Times Square to see Les Paul; the 92 year old legend who made rock and roll possible.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy...
I said, "Be careful...(From the website...)
"The World's Smallest Color Pinhole Camera built-in the fashionable tie. When tie this tie with your clothes lets you record exactly what you saw. No external power needed, just connect it directly with MP4 player to hidden recording so you will not miss any action. It is also great as a surveillance camera, a toy for hobby enthusiasts, as body worn solutions and so on." (more)
Is that a battery clip, or are you just happy to see me?
Sheriff's Bugging Case Makes Top Ten List
...and the Number Two story according to SanLuisObispo.com is...
State investigators are still looking into allegations that Sheriff Pat Hedges violated the law last year by secretly taping a meeting between two subordinates.
The discovery of the tape has triggered a series of other legal actions:
• a $1.25 million claim filed by Chief Deputy Gary Hoving;
• a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Hoving against the sheriff, the county and Undersheriff Steve Bolts;
• detectives in the sheriff’s narcotics unit retaining an attorney after Hedges said he had eavesdropped while investigating criminal allegations against the unit. (more)
State investigators are still looking into allegations that Sheriff Pat Hedges violated the law last year by secretly taping a meeting between two subordinates.
The discovery of the tape has triggered a series of other legal actions:
• a $1.25 million claim filed by Chief Deputy Gary Hoving;
• a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Hoving against the sheriff, the county and Undersheriff Steve Bolts;
• detectives in the sheriff’s narcotics unit retaining an attorney after Hedges said he had eavesdropped while investigating criminal allegations against the unit. (more)
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Ever wonder how 'they' listen through walls?
Sound travels very well through solid materials. The old listening for the train by putting your ear to the tracks is an example of this trick.The effect is electronically enhanced many thousands of times - by using a small audio amplifier connected to either:
• a contact microphone,
• a piezoelectric sensor,
• an accelerometer,
• a spike microphone,
• or, a hollow tube pushed up to a pinhole or crack in the wall, ceiling or floor (which takes advantage of sound conduction via air, solids or a combination of both).
Old School...
The snoop never enters your premises.
They set up their listening post in your immediate vicinity.
New School...The snoop never enters your premises.
The snoop can be eavesdropping from anywhere.
"How?"
By using a GSM bug.
A professional electronic surveillance detection inspection is recommended to detect this spy trick for you.
Friday, December 28, 2007
FutureWatch - CCTV
In preparation for the Beijing Olympics and a series of other international events, American companies, such as Honeywell, General Electric, United Technologies and IBM, are helping the Chinese government design and install one of the most comprehensive high-tech public surveillance systems in the world. (more)
Threat Awareness - Keystroke Loggers
from Mike Mullins - TechRepublic...
Keystroke loggers are a particularly dangerous security threat because users typically don’t realize they’re even there...
Most antivirus and antispyware programs will miss software keystroke loggers, so how can you protect against these sneaky devices? Fortunately, there are some programs designed for this specific task. For example, SpyCop and SnoopFree Software are both software programs specifically designed to detect software keystroke loggers...
For a comprehensive list of keystroke loggers, Keyloggers.com maintains an updated list of both hardware and software versions sold by a multitude of companies. (more)
Keystroke loggers are a particularly dangerous security threat because users typically don’t realize they’re even there...
Most antivirus and antispyware programs will miss software keystroke loggers, so how can you protect against these sneaky devices? Fortunately, there are some programs designed for this specific task. For example, SpyCop and SnoopFree Software are both software programs specifically designed to detect software keystroke loggers...
For a comprehensive list of keystroke loggers, Keyloggers.com maintains an updated list of both hardware and software versions sold by a multitude of companies. (more)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Solution to USB Leaks and Injections of Malware
from the company's web site...
"The proliferation of data loss due to the inappropriate or sometimes criminal use of removable media devices has reached alarming levels.
Sanctuary Device Control allows you to regain control of the peripheral storage devices that your user community attempts to connect to your network assets. Through granular policy-based controls, Sanctuary Device Control reduces risk of data theft, data leakage and malware introduction via unauthorized removable media and assures compliance with the landslide of regulations governing privacy and accountability.
Positive Approach to USB Security
Hardware such as USB memory sticks, FireWire external hard-drives, scanners, music players, digital cameras, PDAs, and CD/DVD burner drives are scattered throughout offices around the world. Their proliferation amplifies the threats posed by outsiders or users who plug in devices that could compromise the security of sensitive data.
By employing a whitelist approach, Sanctuary enables only authorized devices to connect to a network, laptop or PC - facilitating security and systems management, while providing the necessary flexibility to the organization." (more) (our earlier warnings 1, 2, 3, 4)
"The proliferation of data loss due to the inappropriate or sometimes criminal use of removable media devices has reached alarming levels.
Sanctuary Device Control allows you to regain control of the peripheral storage devices that your user community attempts to connect to your network assets. Through granular policy-based controls, Sanctuary Device Control reduces risk of data theft, data leakage and malware introduction via unauthorized removable media and assures compliance with the landslide of regulations governing privacy and accountability.
Positive Approach to USB Security
Hardware such as USB memory sticks, FireWire external hard-drives, scanners, music players, digital cameras, PDAs, and CD/DVD burner drives are scattered throughout offices around the world. Their proliferation amplifies the threats posed by outsiders or users who plug in devices that could compromise the security of sensitive data.
By employing a whitelist approach, Sanctuary enables only authorized devices to connect to a network, laptop or PC - facilitating security and systems management, while providing the necessary flexibility to the organization." (more) (our earlier warnings 1, 2, 3, 4)
Geoslavery
Geoslavery is a new form of human bondage based on cellphone or GPS tracking. Four years ago in IEEE Technology and Society Magazine, Pete Fisher and I [Jerome E. Dobson] defined geoslavery as "a practice in which one entity, the master, coercively or surreptitiously monitors and exerts control over the physical location of another individual, the slave." ...
This year in the Geographical Review, Pete and I warned that human tracking will become commonplace, mainly because of reduction in price. As recently as 10 years ago, the cost of round-the-clock surveillance was about $350,000 per watched person per year -- an exorbitant price tag justified only for high-value targets in matters of national security or corporate espionage. Now the cost is less than $500 per watched person per year. (more)
This year in the Geographical Review, Pete and I warned that human tracking will become commonplace, mainly because of reduction in price. As recently as 10 years ago, the cost of round-the-clock surveillance was about $350,000 per watched person per year -- an exorbitant price tag justified only for high-value targets in matters of national security or corporate espionage. Now the cost is less than $500 per watched person per year. (more)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Time Magazine - Invention of the Year
iPhone.
Sure, you knew that.
But, can you name Time's Law & Order inventions of the year?
Hint... Both work at the speed of light.
High-speed chases may be money shots in Hollywood, but everywhere else they're just dangerous. The StarChase Pursuit Management System uses a laser-guided launcher mounted on the front grill of a cop car to tag fleeing vehicles with a GPS tracking device. Then the fuzz can hang back as real-time location data are sent to police headquarters.
Available: Early 2008 (more)
The hunt for better non-lethal weaponry gained new urgency when several people died in recent years after being shocked by a Taser. The LED Incapacitator, funded by the Department of Homeland Security, is a novel alternative. When officers shine the flashlight-like device in a person's eyes, high-intensity LEDs, pulsating at varying rates, will make the suspect temporarily blind and dizzy. Available: 2008. (more)
Sure, you knew that.
But, can you name Time's Law & Order inventions of the year?
Hint... Both work at the speed of light.
High-speed chases may be money shots in Hollywood, but everywhere else they're just dangerous. The StarChase Pursuit Management System uses a laser-guided launcher mounted on the front grill of a cop car to tag fleeing vehicles with a GPS tracking device. Then the fuzz can hang back as real-time location data are sent to police headquarters.Available: Early 2008 (more)
The hunt for better non-lethal weaponry gained new urgency when several people died in recent years after being shocked by a Taser. The LED Incapacitator, funded by the Department of Homeland Security, is a novel alternative. When officers shine the flashlight-like device in a person's eyes, high-intensity LEDs, pulsating at varying rates, will make the suspect temporarily blind and dizzy. Available: 2008. (more)
SpyCam Story #417 - Illinois' New Law
IL - A lawyer in Wheaton hid his cameras in a roll of toilet paper and a basket of potpourri in the women's restroom.
A bar owner in Downstate Chatsworth concealed his in a bathroom fan and a laundry basket.
And in East Dundee a podiatrist stands accused of tucking a camera underneath an examination table so he could watch patients undress.
Though authorities charged the three men with other felonies in connection with these acts, the actual videotapings were only misdemeanors. Illinois statutes, it seems, are as outdated as Super 8 film.
But a new state law going into effect Jan. 1 fast-forwards the criminal code into the 21st Century by making it a felony to record or transmit images of an adult in a restroom, tanning bed, tanning salon, locker room, changing room or hotel room without permission. If convicted, violators could face up to 3 years in prison.
At least 19 states, including Indiana, currently classify video voyeurism as a felony, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime. At least four others have bills pending. (more)
A bar owner in Downstate Chatsworth concealed his in a bathroom fan and a laundry basket.
And in East Dundee a podiatrist stands accused of tucking a camera underneath an examination table so he could watch patients undress.
Though authorities charged the three men with other felonies in connection with these acts, the actual videotapings were only misdemeanors. Illinois statutes, it seems, are as outdated as Super 8 film.
But a new state law going into effect Jan. 1 fast-forwards the criminal code into the 21st Century by making it a felony to record or transmit images of an adult in a restroom, tanning bed, tanning salon, locker room, changing room or hotel room without permission. If convicted, violators could face up to 3 years in prison.
At least 19 states, including Indiana, currently classify video voyeurism as a felony, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime. At least four others have bills pending. (more)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
How To Create A Fake Google Earth Spy Video
Got some free time?
Want to amaze your friends and surprise your enemies?
This video is designed to demonstrate how to make a fake satellite spy video using Google Earth. Big Brother Is Watching You. (video)
Want to amaze your friends and surprise your enemies?
This video is designed to demonstrate how to make a fake satellite spy video using Google Earth. Big Brother Is Watching You. (video)
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