UK - The Queen's rooms were regularly checked for bugging devices, the inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed has heard. (more)
Regular inspections to detect electronic eavesdropping devices are an essential element of quality security programs.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Electronic eyes and ears keep tabs on workers
Canada - The sudden resignation of a South Shore police chief over allegations of e-spying on the local police union is the latest controversy over electronic eavesdropping in the workplace in the greater Montreal area.
Here and elsewhere, advances in electronic technologies have given employers new tools to keep an around-the-clock eye on employees. Unions are crying foul and fighting back. (more)
Here and elsewhere, advances in electronic technologies have given employers new tools to keep an around-the-clock eye on employees. Unions are crying foul and fighting back. (more)
Alert - Analog Cellular - Discontinued - Last Call - Check you alarm system's cellular alarm reporting back-up unit.
Going, going... GONE!With 4G and WiMax services on the horizon, a new digital wireless era is approaching...but the era of another form of cordless communications is soon to come to a close: namely, analog cellular phone service, which will cease nationally on February 18. (That's TODAY!) Most phones now use digital service, but home and business owners with alarm systems may miss the analog signal. (more)
...and many more will miss the fun of easy eavesdropping.
In December 2005, the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) was commissioned by the Australian High Tech Crime Centre (AHTCC) to conduct research into issues relating to key criminal justice issues concerning technology-enabled crime.The report provides an instant eduction on technology enhanced crimes, and new crimes which have come into being because of advancements in technology.
Observations...
- It still takes the legal system about 10 years to catch up with technology changes.
- Technology has further cemented the need for international law enforcement cooperation.
- Technology is forcing some of the age-old crimes – that we rarely used to hear about – out of the darkness.
Very interesting document. Sign of the times.
(this report) (more reports)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
SpyCam Story #432 - Action Jackson
CA - Holiday Cleaners, a family-owned business that's operated in Jackson for the past 15 years. Since October, it's a store that has also been under the watchful eye of city police as they investigate allegations that one of its operators recorded images of women as they undressed in the changing room.
Police are hoping female customers who patronized the dry cleaning business will come forward to see if they were recorded in digital videos and photographs allegedly taken by the suspect, 35-year-old Pine Grove resident Alex Ko, who runs the business with his parents and siblings. (more)
Police are hoping female customers who patronized the dry cleaning business will come forward to see if they were recorded in digital videos and photographs allegedly taken by the suspect, 35-year-old Pine Grove resident Alex Ko, who runs the business with his parents and siblings. (more)
Spies Demise - Week ending 2/16/08
US - Four people have been arrested in the United States on spying charges relating to the sale of classified information - including details of the Space Shuttle - to China. (more)
Bolivia - President Evo Morales declared a U.S. Embassy security officer to be an "undesirable person" on Monday after reports that the officer asked an American scholar and 30 Peace Corps volunteers to pass along information about Cubans and Venezuelans working in Bolivia. (more)
US - Senator Specter, a Republican of Pennsylvania, wants to know more about the New England Patriots' practice of spying on the opposition... (more)
Afghanistan - Soldiers seized two Taliban fighters spying on Nato forces after one of the militant's smart shoes gave him away... A soldier said they were suspicious as he wore expensive shoes - rare in the poor farming area. (more)
South Korea's outgoing president has accepted the resignation of his spy chief, who offered to quit over the leak of a document detailing his secret trip to North Korea in December, a spokesman said Monday. (more)
Kenya’s longest serving spy master, James Kanyotu, died in Nairobi yesterday. The shadowy and burly spy who headed the Directorate of State Intelligence, then known as the Special Branch for 27 years, died at the Nairobi Hospital where he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness. (more)
US - Hewlett-Packard Co. said late Wednesday that it has settled with the New York Times and three BusinessWeek journalists who were spied on as part of the company's boardroom surveillance scheme. (more)
Bolivia - President Evo Morales declared a U.S. Embassy security officer to be an "undesirable person" on Monday after reports that the officer asked an American scholar and 30 Peace Corps volunteers to pass along information about Cubans and Venezuelans working in Bolivia. (more)
US - Senator Specter, a Republican of Pennsylvania, wants to know more about the New England Patriots' practice of spying on the opposition... (more)
Afghanistan - Soldiers seized two Taliban fighters spying on Nato forces after one of the militant's smart shoes gave him away... A soldier said they were suspicious as he wore expensive shoes - rare in the poor farming area. (more)
South Korea's outgoing president has accepted the resignation of his spy chief, who offered to quit over the leak of a document detailing his secret trip to North Korea in December, a spokesman said Monday. (more)
Kenya’s longest serving spy master, James Kanyotu, died in Nairobi yesterday. The shadowy and burly spy who headed the Directorate of State Intelligence, then known as the Special Branch for 27 years, died at the Nairobi Hospital where he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness. (more)
US - Hewlett-Packard Co. said late Wednesday that it has settled with the New York Times and three BusinessWeek journalists who were spied on as part of the company's boardroom surveillance scheme. (more)
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
SpyCam Story #431 - Sticky Fingers
Security Guard Arrested For Vending Burglary
NC - A covert machine/changer camera was installed at the location to help determine the cause of these chronic unexplained shortages.
The video revealed evidence that a security guard from the location, a federal facility, was opening a vending machine and stealing cash. This machine was used to store the account vending collections in a mother bag from all the machines. The security guard was taking the cafeteria manager's vending key from an unlocked desk drawer in the cafeteria office. Audit records indicate that this individual stole $1,000 over three months. (more)
This is a commom problem. Many of our counterespionage reports contain this obvious recommendation...
Do not leave keys behind.
The most common offense we see is: Admin locks the executive's office door at night and leaves the keys in their unlocked desk just a few feet away.
"Would locking the desk help?"
No. Desk locks are easily pickable (or destructible)... as are filing cabinet locks.
"What could be worse?"
Those big key control cabinets which hold all the spare keys!
Most of their locks are as easily pickable as the desk locks... and, by the way, where is this key "hidden"? Can't find the key? Can't pick it? No problem. People rarely secure key-cabinets to the wall properly, anyway. Just grab it and go.
A few key control solutions for you...
FREE - Guide to Developing and Managing Key Control Policies and Procedures
Traka Key Control System
KeyTrak
NC - A covert machine/changer camera was installed at the location to help determine the cause of these chronic unexplained shortages.
The video revealed evidence that a security guard from the location, a federal facility, was opening a vending machine and stealing cash. This machine was used to store the account vending collections in a mother bag from all the machines. The security guard was taking the cafeteria manager's vending key from an unlocked desk drawer in the cafeteria office. Audit records indicate that this individual stole $1,000 over three months. (more)
This is a commom problem. Many of our counterespionage reports contain this obvious recommendation...
Do not leave keys behind.
The most common offense we see is: Admin locks the executive's office door at night and leaves the keys in their unlocked desk just a few feet away.
"Would locking the desk help?"
No. Desk locks are easily pickable (or destructible)... as are filing cabinet locks.
"What could be worse?"Those big key control cabinets which hold all the spare keys!
Most of their locks are as easily pickable as the desk locks... and, by the way, where is this key "hidden"? Can't find the key? Can't pick it? No problem. People rarely secure key-cabinets to the wall properly, anyway. Just grab it and go.
A few key control solutions for you...
FREE - Guide to Developing and Managing Key Control Policies and Procedures
Traka Key Control System
KeyTrak
"An ye, leave nae stone unturned..."
Isle of Arran, Scotland - Local police are on the look-out for a large quantity of rock that has gone missing from Hawthorn Quarry near Whiting Bay. The Forestry Commission alerted the police to the quarry theft last Friday, and are now being forced to install covert video surveillance at the quarry... (more)
SpyCam Story #430 - Spiderman Cam
Australia - A HI-TECH peeping tom rigged his house with an elaborate network of miniature hidden cameras to spy on his housemates, a court was told yesterday.
But police have been unable to view the footage Gold Coast man Rohan Wyllie is suspected to have recorded because he has refused to give them his computer password.
Mr Harris said he discovered an "amazingly small" camera hidden behind the wall and "kilometres" of cable in the roof cavity leading to Mr Wyllie's locked bedroom.
"I followed the wires - they all went from his room and fanned out across the roof trusses," he said.
Ms Chilcott said Mr Wyllie "lived in the roof and in his bedroom" and the roof was like "another home". She said there were so many hidden cameras she lost count "but I can tell you it was more than 10". (more)
But police have been unable to view the footage Gold Coast man Rohan Wyllie is suspected to have recorded because he has refused to give them his computer password.
Mr Harris said he discovered an "amazingly small" camera hidden behind the wall and "kilometres" of cable in the roof cavity leading to Mr Wyllie's locked bedroom.
"I followed the wires - they all went from his room and fanned out across the roof trusses," he said.
Ms Chilcott said Mr Wyllie "lived in the roof and in his bedroom" and the roof was like "another home". She said there were so many hidden cameras she lost count "but I can tell you it was more than 10". (more)
Snuggly, The Security Bear speaks...
to... apparently, anyone who can be persuaded by a talking cartoon bear whose head is filled with fluff.
Let's join Snuggly now ashe she it explains why a new federal wiretap law is being passed. (video)
Let's join Snuggly now as
Thursday, February 14, 2008
"And, the Number One security threat is..."
"YOU!"
When it comes to security, human threats score much higher than those posed by technology. So says a new survey by consulting firm Deloitte of more than 100 technology, media and telecommunications companies worldwide. (more)
When it comes to security, human threats score much higher than those posed by technology. So says a new survey by consulting firm Deloitte of more than 100 technology, media and telecommunications companies worldwide. (more)
Facing the music in Hitsville
Wall Street Journal - 2/13/08
Hit of the Day
Hezbollah today said the fugitive militant Imad Mughniyeh, who was indicted in the U.S. for the 1985 hijacking of a TWA airliner in which a Navy diver died, has been killed by Israeli agents. Israel denied involvement in his death. (more)
Wall Street Journal - 2/14/08
Quote of the Day
"This guy had it coming to him," former Mossad official Yossi Alpher tells Newsweek, in describing how "there are many intel agencies who had a score to settle with" Hezbollah's Imad Mughniyeh. (more)
Hit of the Day
Hezbollah today said the fugitive militant Imad Mughniyeh, who was indicted in the U.S. for the 1985 hijacking of a TWA airliner in which a Navy diver died, has been killed by Israeli agents. Israel denied involvement in his death. (more)
Wall Street Journal - 2/14/08
Quote of the Day
"This guy had it coming to him," former Mossad official Yossi Alpher tells Newsweek, in describing how "there are many intel agencies who had a score to settle with" Hezbollah's Imad Mughniyeh. (more)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ultra-wideband (UWB). Now a TSCM reality.
UWB materializes on an RSA6114A Tektronix spectrum analyzer.
New Eavesdropping Threat. Bug transmissions via Ultra-wideband. Standard eavesdropping detection techniques don't 'see' it.
Research Electronics explains it nicely...
"Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) transmitters represent a new method of RF modulation, typically consisting of extremely narrow pulses (in the range of 250 picoseconds). The modulation scheme is a time division multiplexed system based on the timing of the pulses across a large frequency range. It is suspected that this new method of modulation will likely be used for short-range communications (approximately 10 meters), but other applications will certainly be developed. With a potential frequency band of 2GHz to 10GHz, the new UWB modulation represents some interesting characteristics from the technical security perspective, specifically with regard to the detection of UWB transmissions potentially used in eavesdropping devices."
Murray Associates recognized the threat early.
(from Kevin's Security Scrapbook - February, 2002)
FutureWatch
Ultra-wideband (UWB) makes it debut... (this will be big)
Applications...
- Ground Penetrating Radar Systems
- Wall Imaging Systems
- Through-wall Imaging Systems
- Medical Systems
- Surveillance Systems
- Vehicular Radar Systems
- Communications and Measurement Systems
Not to mention, low-probability-of-intercept bugging devices.
(Shhhhhh! We told you not to mention that.)
Because of this foresight, Murray Associates can counter UWB eavesdropping threats today. Knowledge and military-level TSCM instrumentation (from REI and Tektronix) are being used now to protect their client family.
Consider the advanced TSCM services of Murray Associates if your current TSCM team can't show you what UWB looks like.
New Eavesdropping Threat. Bug transmissions via Ultra-wideband. Standard eavesdropping detection techniques don't 'see' it.
Research Electronics explains it nicely...
"Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) transmitters represent a new method of RF modulation, typically consisting of extremely narrow pulses (in the range of 250 picoseconds). The modulation scheme is a time division multiplexed system based on the timing of the pulses across a large frequency range. It is suspected that this new method of modulation will likely be used for short-range communications (approximately 10 meters), but other applications will certainly be developed. With a potential frequency band of 2GHz to 10GHz, the new UWB modulation represents some interesting characteristics from the technical security perspective, specifically with regard to the detection of UWB transmissions potentially used in eavesdropping devices."
Murray Associates recognized the threat early.
(from Kevin's Security Scrapbook - February, 2002)
FutureWatch
Ultra-wideband (UWB) makes it debut... (this will be big)
Applications...
- Ground Penetrating Radar Systems
- Wall Imaging Systems
- Through-wall Imaging Systems
- Medical Systems
- Surveillance Systems
- Vehicular Radar Systems
- Communications and Measurement Systems
Not to mention, low-probability-of-intercept bugging devices.
(Shhhhhh! We told you not to mention that.)
Because of this foresight, Murray Associates can counter UWB eavesdropping threats today. Knowledge and military-level TSCM instrumentation (from REI and Tektronix) are being used now to protect their client family.
Consider the advanced TSCM services of Murray Associates if your current TSCM team can't show you what UWB looks like.
"Please, speak into my lapel."
Wireless CCTV, a UK-based provider of mobile surveillance systems, has launched its 3G body-worn services that are aimed at providing enhanced security to agents in the field. Wireless says that the systems, which have been developed in response to the growing demand for body-worn surveillance equipment whether overt or covert, offer evidential quality recording of suspects and enable security supervisors to coordinate and carry out tactical operations that involve multiple members. (more)
LinkedIn To Mine User Data For Corporate Espionage
(From Insider Chatter by Donna Bogatin...)
"LinkedIn’s Mike Gamson is touting an impending fee-based “Research Network” aimed at capitalizing on the reams of data LinkedIn houses on those millions of people:
The service will help hedge fund managers and investment banks find people who used to work at a company they’re interested in, or even who is working for a customer of a company they are interested in. (as cited by eWeek)
In other words, insider corporate intelligence, or espionage:
Let’s say I’m thinking about making an investment in a producer of product X. I might want to speak to people that sell that product, people that buy that product, or that used to work at that company as part of my research process to have a better understanding of how valuable that product is.
BUT, “let’s say” the “producer of product X” does NOT want current or past employees talking to hedge funds and investment banks about its proprietary, confidential, insider goings on. LinkedIn’s financial incentives to its “17 million professionals” may nevertheless be hard to resist. Gamson boasts, “If we can begin to help our members make money and help our clients find the right people, that’s when you create value on both sides and we like those situations.”
Corporations about which LinkedIn users divulge insider information to hedge funds and investment banks, however, will undoubtedly NOT “like those situations.” (more)
"LinkedIn’s Mike Gamson is touting an impending fee-based “Research Network” aimed at capitalizing on the reams of data LinkedIn houses on those millions of people:
The service will help hedge fund managers and investment banks find people who used to work at a company they’re interested in, or even who is working for a customer of a company they are interested in. (as cited by eWeek)
In other words, insider corporate intelligence, or espionage:
Let’s say I’m thinking about making an investment in a producer of product X. I might want to speak to people that sell that product, people that buy that product, or that used to work at that company as part of my research process to have a better understanding of how valuable that product is.
BUT, “let’s say” the “producer of product X” does NOT want current or past employees talking to hedge funds and investment banks about its proprietary, confidential, insider goings on. LinkedIn’s financial incentives to its “17 million professionals” may nevertheless be hard to resist. Gamson boasts, “If we can begin to help our members make money and help our clients find the right people, that’s when you create value on both sides and we like those situations.”
Corporations about which LinkedIn users divulge insider information to hedge funds and investment banks, however, will undoubtedly NOT “like those situations.” (more)
72% of Scots against CCTV eavesdropping
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) launched its new CCTV code of practice at the Scottish Parliament today, and also released details of a survey of a thousand people in Scotland.
Seventy-two per cent of respondents to the survey were against CCTV cameras which record conversations. This supports an earlier survey in London and South East England which produced similar results (70% against). (more)
Seventy-two per cent of respondents to the survey were against CCTV cameras which record conversations. This supports an earlier survey in London and South East England which produced similar results (70% against). (more)
Most wall warts just look ugly. This one just looks.
But wait. There's more...
This wall wart contains a hidden camera and a microphone!
But wait.
There's more...
It also contains a digital audio / video recorder!!
But wait.
There's more...
It can record up to 66 hours of audio and video on its internal 2GB SD memory card!!!
But wait.
There's more...
No long cords to hide.
No wireless transmissions to give it away.
(more)
Why do I mention this?
So you know what you are up against.
Perfect Passwords - GRC's Ultra High Security Password Generator
Every time you visit this page, you get (FREE) a unique set of custom, high quality, cryptographic-strength password strings which are safe for you to use.
Example...
If you decide to use these great passwords, you might also need this.
Example...
If you decide to use these great passwords, you might also need this.
Who Are You (I really want to know... who, who)
Take the Internet Vulnerability Profiling test to see yourself as hackers and data-thieves see you. You may be surprised (and scared) by what you see. Hope you don't see anything. (music to hack by)
2136 Passwords You Should NEVER Use
Check the computer products you own against the manufacturer's default passwords database. (the list)
Think data theft is rare?
Think again.
Massive information theft occurs almost every day.
Every day, other information thefts occur massively.
One example of infotheft from the list below...
"Personal information on customers of J.C. Penney and up to 100 other retailers could be compromised after a computer tape went missing. The missing information includes Social Security numbers for about 150,000 people." (Jan 17, 2008)
So far this year; by date, victim and records lost.
Jan. 2, 2008 Workers Compensation Fund (Salt Lake City, UT) 2,800
Jan. 3, 2008 Robotics Industries Association (Ann Arbor, MI) Unknown
Jan. 3, 2008 Dorothy Hains Ele. School (Augusta, GA) Unknown
Jan. 4, 2008 Health Net (Mountain View, CA/CT) 5,000
Jan. 4, 2008 FL Dept. of Children and Families (Osceola, FL) 1,200
Jan. 4, 2008 MD Dept. of Assessments & Tax (Baltimore, MD) 900
Jan. 5, 2008 NM State University (Las Cruces, NM) Unknown
Jan. 7, 2008 Sears/ManageMyHome.com (IL) Unknown
Jan. 7, 2008 Geeks.com (Oceanside, CA) Unknown
Jan. 8, 2008 WI Dept. of Health & Family Ser. (Madison, WI) 260,000
Jan. 8, 2008 University of Georgia (Athens, GA) 4,250
Jan. 10, 2008 Select Physical Therapy (Levelland, TX) 4,000
Jan. 11, 2008 University of Akron (Akron, OH) 800
Jan. 11, 2008 University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) 216
Jan. 11, 2008 VA Dept. of Social Services (Richmond, VA) 1,500
Jan. 12, 2008 CA State University, Stanislaus (Turlock, CA) Unknown
Jan. 14, 2008 Tennessee Tech University (Cookeville, TN) 990
Jan. 15, 2008 Department of Revenue WI (Lakewood, WI) 5,000
Jan. 15, 2008 Naval Surface Warfare Center (MD) Unknown
Jan. 16, 2008 University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI) Unknown
Jan. 17, 2008 GE Money / Iron Mountain (Boston, MA) 150,000
Jan. 23, 2008 Baylor University (Waco, TX) Unknown
Jan. 24, 2008 Fallon Community Health Plan (Worcester, MA) 30,000
Jan. 24, 2008 OmniAmerican Bank (Fort Worth, TX) Unknown
Jan. 25, 2008 Penn State University (University Park, PA) 677
Jan. 28, 2008 T. Rowe Price Retirement Services (MD) 35,000
Jan. 29, 2008 Georgetown University (Washington, DC) 38,000
Jan. 29, 2008 Wake County Emergency Medical Services (NC) 4,642
Jan. 29, 2008 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (Newark, NJ) 300,000
Jan. 30, 2008 Davidson Companies (Great Falls, MT) 226,000
Jan. 31, 2008 SC Dept. of Health & Environmental (SC) 400
Jan. 31, 2008 University of Minn. Medicine Center (MN) 3,100
Feb. 1, 2008 Marine Corps Bases Japan (Okinawa, Japan) 4,000
Feb. 2, 2008 Diocese of Providence (Providence, RI) 5,000
Feb. 7, 2008 Memorial Hospital (South Bend, IN) 4,300
Feb. 8, 2008 MLSgear.com Unknown
Attention infomasochistics!
You can see all the gory details, going back to 2005, here.
Attention smart security directors!
You can get non-IT Department infosecurity help, here.
Massive information theft occurs almost every day.
Every day, other information thefts occur massively.
One example of infotheft from the list below...
"Personal information on customers of J.C. Penney and up to 100 other retailers could be compromised after a computer tape went missing. The missing information includes Social Security numbers for about 150,000 people." (Jan 17, 2008)
So far this year; by date, victim and records lost.
Jan. 2, 2008 Workers Compensation Fund (Salt Lake City, UT) 2,800
Jan. 3, 2008 Robotics Industries Association (Ann Arbor, MI) Unknown
Jan. 3, 2008 Dorothy Hains Ele. School (Augusta, GA) Unknown
Jan. 4, 2008 Health Net (Mountain View, CA/CT) 5,000
Jan. 4, 2008 FL Dept. of Children and Families (Osceola, FL) 1,200
Jan. 4, 2008 MD Dept. of Assessments & Tax (Baltimore, MD) 900
Jan. 5, 2008 NM State University (Las Cruces, NM) Unknown
Jan. 7, 2008 Sears/ManageMyHome.com (IL) Unknown
Jan. 7, 2008 Geeks.com (Oceanside, CA) Unknown
Jan. 8, 2008 WI Dept. of Health & Family Ser. (Madison, WI) 260,000
Jan. 8, 2008 University of Georgia (Athens, GA) 4,250
Jan. 10, 2008 Select Physical Therapy (Levelland, TX) 4,000
Jan. 11, 2008 University of Akron (Akron, OH) 800
Jan. 11, 2008 University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) 216
Jan. 11, 2008 VA Dept. of Social Services (Richmond, VA) 1,500
Jan. 12, 2008 CA State University, Stanislaus (Turlock, CA) Unknown
Jan. 14, 2008 Tennessee Tech University (Cookeville, TN) 990
Jan. 15, 2008 Department of Revenue WI (Lakewood, WI) 5,000
Jan. 15, 2008 Naval Surface Warfare Center (MD) Unknown
Jan. 16, 2008 University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI) Unknown
Jan. 17, 2008 GE Money / Iron Mountain (Boston, MA) 150,000
Jan. 23, 2008 Baylor University (Waco, TX) Unknown
Jan. 24, 2008 Fallon Community Health Plan (Worcester, MA) 30,000
Jan. 24, 2008 OmniAmerican Bank (Fort Worth, TX) Unknown
Jan. 25, 2008 Penn State University (University Park, PA) 677
Jan. 28, 2008 T. Rowe Price Retirement Services (MD) 35,000
Jan. 29, 2008 Georgetown University (Washington, DC) 38,000
Jan. 29, 2008 Wake County Emergency Medical Services (NC) 4,642
Jan. 29, 2008 Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (Newark, NJ) 300,000
Jan. 30, 2008 Davidson Companies (Great Falls, MT) 226,000
Jan. 31, 2008 SC Dept. of Health & Environmental (SC) 400
Jan. 31, 2008 University of Minn. Medicine Center (MN) 3,100
Feb. 1, 2008 Marine Corps Bases Japan (Okinawa, Japan) 4,000
Feb. 2, 2008 Diocese of Providence (Providence, RI) 5,000
Feb. 7, 2008 Memorial Hospital (South Bend, IN) 4,300
Feb. 8, 2008 MLSgear.com Unknown
Attention infomasochistics!
You can see all the gory details, going back to 2005, here.
Attention smart security directors!
You can get non-IT Department infosecurity help, here.
Monday, February 11, 2008
GSM Bug Picture Frame
(From the seller's website...)
This larger sized picture frame (which you can add your own picture to [you Trojan Horse, you]) may be hung on a wall in a room of your choice.
You can then dial the number of the GSM bug built into the rear of the frame - the call will connect silently after two rings and you will be able to hear whats going on in the room...from anywhere in the world!
The sound quality is truly excellent.
Battery life on standby is two weeks, this will be shortened depending on how long and how often you dial in. (Honey, why do you keep adjusting the picture?)
Supplied complete with SIM card. Please note that frame sizes may vary slightly from that shown. (more)
Why do I mention it?
So, you know what you're up against.
This larger sized picture frame (which you can add your own picture to [you Trojan Horse, you]) may be hung on a wall in a room of your choice.
You can then dial the number of the GSM bug built into the rear of the frame - the call will connect silently after two rings and you will be able to hear whats going on in the room...from anywhere in the world!
The sound quality is truly excellent.
Battery life on standby is two weeks, this will be shortened depending on how long and how often you dial in. (Honey, why do you keep adjusting the picture?)
Supplied complete with SIM card. Please note that frame sizes may vary slightly from that shown. (more)
Why do I mention it?
So, you know what you're up against.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sinn Fein driver revealed as spy
A former driver for senior members of Sinn Fein has been revealed to be an informer for the security services.
It is understood Roy McShane, from west Belfast, left Northern Ireland on Friday and entered protective custody.
He was one of a number of drivers who worked with Gerry Adams and other senior members. He may have been working for MI5 and not the police. (more)
It is understood Roy McShane, from west Belfast, left Northern Ireland on Friday and entered protective custody.
He was one of a number of drivers who worked with Gerry Adams and other senior members. He may have been working for MI5 and not the police. (more)
Spying in Norway reaches ‘all-time high'
Russian agents in Norway have reached levels as high as during the Cold War, warns the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST).
Many other countries also have spies in Norway, climbing to a record number following a quiet period during the 1990s...
He also confirms that foreign countries are engaged in industrial espionage in Norway. (more)
Many other countries also have spies in Norway, climbing to a record number following a quiet period during the 1990s...
He also confirms that foreign countries are engaged in industrial espionage in Norway. (more)
Chiropractor guilty on 1 charge - Eavesdropping
KY - Dr. Paul Hollern, who once ran a chiropractor-training empire from Louisville, was convicted yesterday of illegal electronic eavesdropping for videotaping patients without their knowledge. (more)
Countdown to Smackdown - US 193 (update)
A dead US spy satellite in a deteriorating orbit is expected to hit the Earth during the first week of March, said officials.
The destination of the hit is unknown. Officials familiar with the situation say about half of the 2,270 kilogram spacecraft will survive its blazing descent through the atmosphere and scatter debris. Some of them will be potentially hazardous, over several hundred miles.
The officials (Micky, Mike, Davy and Peter) spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. (more) (sing-a-long)
The destination of the hit is unknown. Officials familiar with the situation say about half of the 2,270 kilogram spacecraft will survive its blazing descent through the atmosphere and scatter debris. Some of them will be potentially hazardous, over several hundred miles.
The officials (Micky, Mike, Davy and Peter) spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. (more) (sing-a-long)
Sabotage, espionage, coincidence or...
The failure of four undersea cables in less than a week is stoking suspicions that saboteurs want to disrupt internet traffic passing between Europe and the Middle East. (more)
They Spy Back on Spy Satellites
When the government announced last month that a top-secret spy satellite would, in the next few months, come falling out of the sky, American officials said there was little risk to people because satellites fall out of orbit fairly frequently and much of the planet is covered by oceans.But they said precious little about the satellite itself. Such information came instead from Ted Molczan, a hobbyist who tracks satellites from his apartment balcony in Toronto, and fellow satellite spotters around the world. They have grudgingly become accustomed to being seen as “propeller-headed geeks” who “poke their finger in the eye” of the government’s satellite spymasters, Mr. Molczan said, taking no offense. “I have a sense of humor,” he said. (more) (SatSpies Home Page)
Ultimate PC: Annan silent on bugging
South Africa - Two ambassadors an African and a European, who declined to be named confirmed on Wednesday that bugging devices were found in Annan's room at the Serena Hotel on Tuesday, an incident that is said to have infuriated the diplomat.
"Yes, it's true. I'm aware the room was bugged and an investigation is under way," one of the diplomats told the Daily News on Wednesday. (more)
"Yes, it's true. I'm aware the room was bugged and an investigation is under way," one of the diplomats told the Daily News on Wednesday. (more)
From the great country that brought us "1984"
UK - A row over the bugging of a MP has reignited debate about how far the country has gone towards becoming a "Big Brother" surveillance state.
The September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States and the July 2005 bombings in London have prompted the authorities to ramp up security measures to unprecedented levels.
But this has led to concerns about how much the authorities know and whether the information is safe in their hands -- particularly in light of a string of recent blunders.
In November it emerged that a government department had lost the personal details of 25 million people -- nearly half the population.
And on Sunday it was revealed that MP Sadiq Khan was bugged by anti-terror police when he visited Babar Ahmad in prison, one of his constituents and an Islamist terror suspect wanted in the United States.
Promising a swift inquiry into the Khan affair, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Wednesday surveillance was "necessary to defend our security, preserve our freedom and, in some cases, to save lives."
Britain already has 4.2 million CCTV cameras, more per head than any other country on Earth at one for every 14 people.
The government wants to bring in biometric identity cards and expand the DNA database, already the largest in the world, with 5.2 percent of the population -- around four million people -- on file.
Since 2004, everyone arrested in England and Wales for all but the most minor offences -- regardless of guilt -- has been logged on the database.
There are even talking CCTV cameras telling off people engaging in anti-social behavior including dropping litter. (more) (sing-a-long video)
The September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States and the July 2005 bombings in London have prompted the authorities to ramp up security measures to unprecedented levels.
But this has led to concerns about how much the authorities know and whether the information is safe in their hands -- particularly in light of a string of recent blunders.
In November it emerged that a government department had lost the personal details of 25 million people -- nearly half the population.
And on Sunday it was revealed that MP Sadiq Khan was bugged by anti-terror police when he visited Babar Ahmad in prison, one of his constituents and an Islamist terror suspect wanted in the United States.
Promising a swift inquiry into the Khan affair, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Wednesday surveillance was "necessary to defend our security, preserve our freedom and, in some cases, to save lives."
Britain already has 4.2 million CCTV cameras, more per head than any other country on Earth at one for every 14 people.
The government wants to bring in biometric identity cards and expand the DNA database, already the largest in the world, with 5.2 percent of the population -- around four million people -- on file.
Since 2004, everyone arrested in England and Wales for all but the most minor offences -- regardless of guilt -- has been logged on the database.
There are even talking CCTV cameras telling off people engaging in anti-social behavior including dropping litter. (more) (sing-a-long video)
JFK heard on Hell's Angles Wiretap!
Canada - A full-patch member of the East End chapter of the Hells Angels was heard on a wiretap Wednesday pounding a table with his fist and exhorting other members to do everything they can to benefit the motorcycle club.
"Cause this ain't about what it can do for you, it's supposed to be about what you can do for the club," said David Francis Giles.
Giles is charged along with two associates of the club, David Roger Revell and Richard Andrew Rempel, with associating with a criminal organization and trafficking in cocaine.
Police officers remove Hells Angels' trademark Winged Death Heads and sign from their club house following any early morning raid at the Eastern and Carlaw location on April 4, 2007.
The June 2005 wiretap, captured from a bug placed in the Hells Angels Kelowna clubhouse, was played in court by prosecutors during final arguments in the trial. (more)
"Cause this ain't about what it can do for you, it's supposed to be about what you can do for the club," said David Francis Giles.
Giles is charged along with two associates of the club, David Roger Revell and Richard Andrew Rempel, with associating with a criminal organization and trafficking in cocaine.Police officers remove Hells Angels' trademark Winged Death Heads and sign from their club house following any early morning raid at the Eastern and Carlaw location on April 4, 2007.
The June 2005 wiretap, captured from a bug placed in the Hells Angels Kelowna clubhouse, was played in court by prosecutors during final arguments in the trial. (more)
Movie Review - "Spy"
It's easy to see why director Nadav Schirman plans to adapt his first film, the documentary "The Champagne Spy
," into an English-language narrative feature. The story of Ze'ev Gur Arie, aka Wolfgang Lotz, is the stuff of Cold War glamor and international intrigue, with a dark personal twist. Lotz was a German-born Israeli spy who so fully adopted his undercover identity that he left
behind a wife and child. Focusing on the testimony of Lotz's fellow Mossad agents and especially his son, all speaking on camera for the first time, "Spy" is a compelling if sometimes frustratingly limited film. It screened in the Palm Springs festival's New Israeli Cinema section and was awarded the John Schlesinger Award for outstanding first feature. (more) (Lotz's "Would You Make A Good Spy" Test)
Albania to legalize wiretapping
Albania - A law that would make wiretapping legal, if there is a request from General Prosecutor for this. The draft states that in certain specific cases it will Ministry of Internal Affairs the one to administer wiretapping, but opposition rightfully protests this, arguing that this will make room for politically motivated eavesdropping, and AIS will lose its purpose. (video)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Plain phone lies in wait, as household spy
One of the innovative items at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was the TeleSpy, a traditional-looking and normally operating telephone. What makes the TeleSpy unique is its ability to act as a no-cost security monitoring system. Installation is quick and simple. If you can plug a phone into a standard phone jack, then you can install the TeleSpy. There are no complicated adjustments to activate. Simply position and aim the phone in the direction of the area you want monitored. Plug the standard modular plug into your phone jack and plug the supplied AC power adapter into the jack on the side of the phone. (more) (ad) (instructional video) (Wolfman)
Why do I mention it?
So you will know what you are up against.
Men! Grab your Trench Coats!
NY - The queen of US designers, Diane von Furstenberg, offered a spy-themed collection harking back to wartime Berlin as she presented her latest creations at New York's Fashion Week.Opening with the sensual voice of onetime German cabaret singer Marlene Dietrich, the show entitled "Foreign Affair" seemed intent on convincing the audience that women can look elegant even in times of crisis. (more) (Trench Coat)
Cautionary Tale #437 - Kofi Annan Bugged
This headline never should have happened...
Kofi Annan Leaves Peace Talks in Limbo After His Hotel Room Is Bugged
Kenya - Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan may walk away from Kenya's peace talks after his security detail discovered his hotel room in Nairobi was bugged, according to a report.
Sources at the Serena Hotel, where the talks are taking place, said Annan's security detail became wary of his safety after discovering that his personal conversations were being intercepted, South Africa's Independent Newspapers reported.
Who may have planted the listening device and how long it was there remain unclear, the Independent reported.
Annan is said to be "livid," but it is not yet known whether he will walk away from the already troubled negotiations. (more)
Reactive security is gambling. Proactive security is cheap insurance. Kofi's security detail apparently bet and lost. Nothing they do now can turn back the clock. The damage is done.
Check for bugs, wiretaps and spycams before you know here is a problem. (more)
Kofi Annan Leaves Peace Talks in Limbo After His Hotel Room Is Bugged
Kenya - Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan may walk away from Kenya's peace talks after his security detail discovered his hotel room in Nairobi was bugged, according to a report.
Sources at the Serena Hotel, where the talks are taking place, said Annan's security detail became wary of his safety after discovering that his personal conversations were being intercepted, South Africa's Independent Newspapers reported.
Who may have planted the listening device and how long it was there remain unclear, the Independent reported.
Annan is said to be "livid," but it is not yet known whether he will walk away from the already troubled negotiations. (more)
Reactive security is gambling. Proactive security is cheap insurance. Kofi's security detail apparently bet and lost. Nothing they do now can turn back the clock. The damage is done.
Check for bugs, wiretaps and spycams before you know here is a problem. (more)
Murray's Associate Bugs the TV Reporter
Eavesdropping is a very hot topic in the UK at the moment.
Our UK Associate, Crispin Sturrock, CEO of Whiterock lets a news reporter demonstrate why detecting bugs and spycams is not a job for amateurs...
Can Sky Reporter Find Hidden Bugs?
With the controversy surrounding the bugging of Labour MP Sadiq Khan still raging, a security expert set Sky News reporter David Bowden the task of finding a several bugs he had hidden in a room. How did Bowden do? Well, he was no James Bond... (video)
Our UK Associate, Crispin Sturrock, CEO of Whiterock lets a news reporter demonstrate why detecting bugs and spycams is not a job for amateurs...
Can Sky Reporter Find Hidden Bugs?
With the controversy surrounding the bugging of Labour MP Sadiq Khan still raging, a security expert set Sky News reporter David Bowden the task of finding a several bugs he had hidden in a room. How did Bowden do? Well, he was no James Bond... (video)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
FBI Releases Bulger Wiretaps
Investigators have released audio recordings of one of the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" fugitives, hoping people will recognize James "Whitey" Bulger by his unique voice. ...Robert and Arthur smile.
Illegal bug uncovered in second prison
UK - Bugging devices planted in a prison telephone were illegally used to record privileged conversations between an inmate and his solicitor, The Times has learnt.
Defence lawyers said last night that the breach confirms long-held suspicions that the recording of legal visits is widespread. Security experts told The Times that they believed that dozens of prisoners are routinely the subject of covert surveillance.
The revelation comes days after it emerged that an MP’s meeting with a jailed constituent had been recorded. However the taping of legal meetings is considered far more serious because it may breach a defendant’s rights and has the potential to collapse criminal trials. (more)
Defence lawyers said last night that the breach confirms long-held suspicions that the recording of legal visits is widespread. Security experts told The Times that they believed that dozens of prisoners are routinely the subject of covert surveillance.
The revelation comes days after it emerged that an MP’s meeting with a jailed constituent had been recorded. However the taping of legal meetings is considered far more serious because it may breach a defendant’s rights and has the potential to collapse criminal trials. (more)
To eavesdrop, or not - teenage opinions
Q. Should the federal government be allowed to listen in on phone conversations of Americans and to read their e-mails and other information on their computers without their knowledge and without a warrant? (answers)
Monday, February 4, 2008
Surveillance and countersurveillance on the web
UK - In an early Bond film, 007 was impressed by a reel-to-reel tape deck small enough to be hidden inside a camera. Forty-five years later, anyone with a few hundred pounds ($200.-$300) to spare can buy a credit-card sized bug that will sit dormant for months, then spring to life and start transmitting as soon as it hears a voice.
... the online trade in surveillance equipment reveals a flourishing community of unregulated freelancers. (more)
Most corporate security programs already include bug detection inspection programs.
Need help? USA UK IR EU AUS
... the online trade in surveillance equipment reveals a flourishing community of unregulated freelancers. (more)
Most corporate security programs already include bug detection inspection programs.
Need help? USA UK IR EU AUS
Analysis: New technology means that bugging is as easy as a walk in the park
UK - Anything divulged inside a building or a private car is potentially open to an extraordinary array of electronic bugging devices or telephone intercept systems. Bugging is a fine art, and the technology has leapt forward in recent years.
The electronic bug allegedly used by the police to eavesdrop on the conversation between Babar Ahmad, suspected of having links to terrorist organisations, and Sadiq Khan, his constituency MP, during a meeting in Woodhill prison in Milton Keynes, was probably the conventional type.
The basic form of bug requires someone to listen in from several hundreds yards away, or to have a recording system hidden nearby that can store many hours of conversation.
However, the latest electronic listening device is known as the GSM bug. Michael Marks of Spymaster, a company that supplies surveillance equipment, told The Times: “With one of these new bugs, all you have to do is place it covertly under someone’s desk. It’s like a miniature cellular phone. You can ring it from thousands of miles away, it answers silently and you can listen in on conversations. The GSM bug could be in an office in London but the person listening to the conversations could be in Australia.” (more)
The electronic bug allegedly used by the police to eavesdrop on the conversation between Babar Ahmad, suspected of having links to terrorist organisations, and Sadiq Khan, his constituency MP, during a meeting in Woodhill prison in Milton Keynes, was probably the conventional type.
The basic form of bug requires someone to listen in from several hundreds yards away, or to have a recording system hidden nearby that can store many hours of conversation.
However, the latest electronic listening device is known as the GSM bug. Michael Marks of Spymaster, a company that supplies surveillance equipment, told The Times: “With one of these new bugs, all you have to do is place it covertly under someone’s desk. It’s like a miniature cellular phone. You can ring it from thousands of miles away, it answers silently and you can listen in on conversations. The GSM bug could be in an office in London but the person listening to the conversations could be in Australia.” (more)
SpyCam Story #429 - The Thumbcam
(From the seller's website...)Introducing possibly the smallest video and audio recorder in the world – the Thumbs Up Mini Spy Cam. We think it’s the tiniest and best covert surveillance device that’s available. The KGB, CIA or MI6 might have smaller ones but if they do they’re certainly not talking about it and they definitely won’t sell you one!
The Mini Spy Cam is small enough to conceal in almost any location. You could put it inside a pack of chewing gum or cigarettes and it’ll quietly record everything that’s going on in its line of sight. Even if you simply placed it somewhere unobtrusive, chances are it wouldn’t even be noticed!
With a record time of up to four hours per charge, the Mini Spy Cam records 3GP video files onto a Micro SD Card that can be played back on a computer or mobile phone. Colour video and voice recording lets you clearly see who’s there and what they’re saying.
The Mini Spy Cam is a great alternative to conventional CCTV for the times when you don’t want people to know they’re on camera. Self-contained, and with no cables to hide, it’s perfect for all sorts of covert surveillance and ideal for journalists, private investigators, or businesses that want to keep an eye on the cash register if the figures don’t add up and they suspect someone of being light-fingered.
Thumbs Up’s Mini Spy Cam has other uses too. Perhaps you’ve hired a nanny or babysitter and want to make sure that they’re doing their job properly. A discreet recording would be a good way to know whether you can trust them to look after your family. It’s also ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who want to film a rare animal or bird with the minimum disturbance, for example.
Catch out your mates when they’re at their worst too! Set the Mini Spy Cam to record parties or have someone conceal one in their shirt when out on a Stag Night, and you won’t have to wonder just what the hell happened and exactly how much you had to drink to get in such a state – it’ll all be there on camera to enjoy (and embarrass everyone with) later! (more)
Why do I mention it?So you know what you're up against.
Man accused of eavesdropping to steal business
Iowa - A warrant was issued Friday for the arrest of a man accused of eavesdropping on a cell phone in an attempt to steal business from a competitor.
Cory Bailey, 19, of Cedar Rapids, failed to appear twice for his arraignment in state court on charges that he entered the voice mail of a cell phone belonging to DeNeve Construction in Iowa City.
According to court documents, once inside DeNeve’s voice mail, Bailey listened to the messages and wrote down prospective client information in an attempt to take business from DeNeve. After collecting the information, Bailey deleted the messages.
DeNeve Construction, a 12year-old Iowa City business, is involved in roofing, drywalling, insulation and carpentry, according to its Web site. (more)
Cory Bailey, 19, of Cedar Rapids, failed to appear twice for his arraignment in state court on charges that he entered the voice mail of a cell phone belonging to DeNeve Construction in Iowa City.
According to court documents, once inside DeNeve’s voice mail, Bailey listened to the messages and wrote down prospective client information in an attempt to take business from DeNeve. After collecting the information, Bailey deleted the messages.
DeNeve Construction, a 12year-old Iowa City business, is involved in roofing, drywalling, insulation and carpentry, according to its Web site. (more)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
"But, Mom. I didn't know it was illegal!"
To celebrate 10 years of making spy toys, Wild Planet is redesigning the Spy Gear brand look and logo, upgrading its most popular items, introducing 10 new products and releasing the first Spy Gear board games."We attribute Spy Gear's success to our ability to incorporate advanced, real-world technology into old-fashioned, classic play," says Daniel Grossman, CEO and founder of Wild Planet.
"Pretending to be a spy is not a new idea," explains Grossman, "but having a real, working remote-controlled spy vehicle that transmits video and audio back to a private headset -- that's a new way to play spy."
The Spy Video ATV-360 is one of the new Spy Gear releases scheduled for fall 2008. A follow-up to the brand's original Spy Video Car launched in 2006, the Spy Video ATV-360 will be the first remote-controlled Spy Gear vehicle to offer video and audio transmission, full-circle spin control, and tank tracks for a mass retail price of $99. (more)
Dan, Wild Planet really needs to re-think this one - at least for U.S. sales. Federal and state laws prohibiting electronic audio spying have been on the books here since 1968.
Idea: Hire an attorney or security consultant - who specializes in electronic surveillance matters - avoid a costly recall and lawsuits.
Dirty Little Secrets: Corporate Espionage
BBC - Corporate espionage is as old as business itself. But today as technology develops, there has been an expansion of murky practices like phone bugging, computer hacking and secret filming. The range of businesses that have relied on corporate espionage is breathtakingly wide.
• In the glamorous world of Formula One, McLaren was fined £50 million for spying on rival Ferrari.
• A waste tycoon who bugged the phones and hacked the computers of local residents and government officials investigating his company ended up going to prison.
• A builder and conservatory designer who was spied on by a larger rival lost his business and moved to Spain. (more)
Spy Guns
Avi Abrams' site "Dark Roasted Blend - Weird & wonderful things" is a container of visual vitamins for your mind. Pop a few every day. Creative juices will flood your soul. Bookmark darkroastedblond.com with an arc welder.
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