OR - Last year the woman told police told police she thought her landlord was spying on her through a hidden camera in the shower.
The woman lived in an upstairs apartment inside the home the landlord shared with a second renter. That landlord - former Kalama City Council member Paul Stickel - has been charged with voyeurism, but he claims he did no such thing.
Police searched Stickel's home last Spring and confiscated videotapes, televisions and cable. They also found a hole in the wall in the woman's bathroom.
In a March 2008 affidavit, police said videotape taken from Stickel's home "shows Stickel simulating taking a shower" to test the camera-equipped shower stall. Detectives also cited a "secret viewing area" - a covered peephole - that looks out through a mirror on the woman's medicine cabinet.
Stickel claims the investigators are bluffing. (more) (video)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Solar Assisted SpyCam from Australia
from the seller's Web site...Xtern-Cam® is a rugged outdoor standalone surveillance camera with inbuilt GPRS modem (receive the photos on your cell), digital image recording function, integrated night vision and inbuilt Solar Panel to give extraordinary long battery life.
The camera captures high-resolution black & white images when motion is detected and emails a selection of these to a monitoring station or mobile phone as well as storing all the high resolution images to a removable memory card for easy viewing later, on a computer or PDA. The camera can also be powered by an external 12VDC power source and can be externally triggered from a gate or door opening.
Outdoors in time lapse mode using its inbuilt Solar panel to recharge the battery during the day, Xtern-Cam® can capture and transmit wirelessly, one image every 5 minutes at night time without ever requiring the battery to be re-charged. Similarly, if Motion activated, it can capture and transmit up to 150 images every night without ever having to charge the battery.
In busy environments where the Camera may capture and transmit up to 330 images per night, the battery would still last around one month! The camera can store up to 65,000 VGA images and will optionally overwrite the oldest images when the memory card is full to enable ‘set and forget’ operation.
Xtern-Cam® is also available with a colour camera for daytime operation with optional 16mm or 8mm telephoto lenses. (more)
"So, how long had your phone been tapped?"
Wharton School professor Andrea Matwyshyn has attended Defcon for the past five years. This year, her radar is pointing to corporate disclosure of computer security threats.
Most consumers, she says, find out about them primarily through news reports and after-the-fact data breach notifications. Big business, Matwyshyn says, needs to do a much better job of keeping customers abreast of how they're dealing with big security threats. "Companies need to be aware that their customers are going to start asking questions about their security and what they're doing," she told Forbes. (more)
Having quarterly TSCM inspection logs in your files can help stave off stockholder lawsuits. ~Kevin
Most consumers, she says, find out about them primarily through news reports and after-the-fact data breach notifications. Big business, Matwyshyn says, needs to do a much better job of keeping customers abreast of how they're dealing with big security threats. "Companies need to be aware that their customers are going to start asking questions about their security and what they're doing," she told Forbes. (more)
Having quarterly TSCM inspection logs in your files can help stave off stockholder lawsuits. ~Kevin
The nights were cold and lonely...
IL - A Clinton police officer accused of viewing pornography on his squad car computer is asking that evidence collected from the computer be barred from an upcoming disciplinary hearing because police officials are guilty of eavesdropping. Patrolman Billy Hurst, 40, of Clinton will face the Clinton Police and Fire Commission on Aug. 13 on charges that he acted improperly by spending more than 23 hours watching pornography during working hours from Nov. 13, 2008, to Jan. 24...
Hurst's attorney, Shane Voyles, with the Policemen's Benevolent labor committee, filed a civil complaint in May in DeWitt County court accusing Reidy of eavesdropping by monitoring Hurst's computer activities. Hurst did not consent to the city's installation of software put in place after viruses were detected on city computers, said Voyles. (more)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Watergate I & Watergate II
WATERGATE I
The chief of Hungary’s secret services – the National Security Office (NBH) – quit last Monday, saying his position had become untenable due to the way other authorities handled a scandal over a private security firm allegedly used to spy on politicians.
In his resignation letter, Sándor Laborc spoke of “anomalies” in the way the public prosecution service and the NBH handled the UD Affair...
The UD scandal, over which Laborc would eventually resign, began last September when the head of the small conservative opposition party, the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) received an audio recording of one of UD’s owners talking to the owner and CEO of OTP Bank, Sándor Csányi, about a commission to collect data on her.
Ibolya Dávid claimed that someone was trying to discredit her in the run up to the MDF’s party leadership election... Dávid last Tuesday said during a television interview that the UD affair had turned into a Hungarian "Watergate." (more)
WATERGATE II
via Gizmodo.com...
Instead of creating the usual steel turnstile, the Watergate's designers used the primordial liquid as a psychological barrier.
Their logic: People won't like to get their clothes wet...
It's a good idea, because most people will actually respect it. Another good thing: If something happens, people can run to the exit without having to go through gates: Water is only a psychological barrier.
Fleeing, panicking persons can escape through the gate without being hindered by any rigid media. Clever.
An added advantage is that people in wheelchairs or carrying luggage can easily pass through them. Very clever. (more) (video)
The chief of Hungary’s secret services – the National Security Office (NBH) – quit last Monday, saying his position had become untenable due to the way other authorities handled a scandal over a private security firm allegedly used to spy on politicians.
In his resignation letter, Sándor Laborc spoke of “anomalies” in the way the public prosecution service and the NBH handled the UD Affair...
The UD scandal, over which Laborc would eventually resign, began last September when the head of the small conservative opposition party, the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) received an audio recording of one of UD’s owners talking to the owner and CEO of OTP Bank, Sándor Csányi, about a commission to collect data on her.
Ibolya Dávid claimed that someone was trying to discredit her in the run up to the MDF’s party leadership election... Dávid last Tuesday said during a television interview that the UD affair had turned into a Hungarian "Watergate." (more)
WATERGATE II
via Gizmodo.com...
Instead of creating the usual steel turnstile, the Watergate's designers used the primordial liquid as a psychological barrier.Their logic: People won't like to get their clothes wet...
It's a good idea, because most people will actually respect it. Another good thing: If something happens, people can run to the exit without having to go through gates: Water is only a psychological barrier.
Fleeing, panicking persons can escape through the gate without being hindered by any rigid media. Clever.
An added advantage is that people in wheelchairs or carrying luggage can easily pass through them. Very clever. (more) (video)
Cablegram: You're Bugged
USB cable UHF transmitter.When plugged to a USB port the cable works as usual and the transmitter inside the cable transmits conversations or any sound to a distant receiver.
No batteries needed. The transmitter works as long as it remains plugged to a USB port. Automatic Gain Control lets it pick up a whisper up to 40 feet away – as clearly as loud speech near it. (more)
Pretty much impossible to discover yourself just by looking. But, hey... that's why you keep our information handy. ~Kevin
Access data by tapping fibre-optic networks
Fibre-optic cable networks are not as secure as believed - with new technology making it easy for hackers to steal data from them, according to an IDC report.
IDC research analyst Romain Fouchereau said that the reputation of a fibre-optic cable network as more secure than copper cables wasn’t justified, and that new and inexpensive technologies have now made data theft easily possible for hackers without detection.
Organisations that carry sensitive information across fibre-optic cables are potentially vulnerable from criminal threats, as much of the cabling is easily accessible and not well protected. Fouchereau said that hacks on optical networks could be achieved simply by extracting light from ultra-thin fibres. (more)
Once a successful tap has been achieved, software that records, monitors and analyses the data (called packet sniffers), can capture the data...
“Hence, capturing or eavesdropping on this data serves not only military purposes. Industrial espionage in these sectors is worth billions of dollars.” (more)
IDC research analyst Romain Fouchereau said that the reputation of a fibre-optic cable network as more secure than copper cables wasn’t justified, and that new and inexpensive technologies have now made data theft easily possible for hackers without detection.
Organisations that carry sensitive information across fibre-optic cables are potentially vulnerable from criminal threats, as much of the cabling is easily accessible and not well protected. Fouchereau said that hacks on optical networks could be achieved simply by extracting light from ultra-thin fibres. (more)
Once a successful tap has been achieved, software that records, monitors and analyses the data (called packet sniffers), can capture the data...
“Hence, capturing or eavesdropping on this data serves not only military purposes. Industrial espionage in these sectors is worth billions of dollars.” (more)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Corporate Level Videotapping
Two researchers at Defcon on Friday demonstrated tools that allow people to eavesdrop on video conference calls and intercept surveillance camera video.
An attacker needs to be in the same building as the victims to carry out the man-in-the-middle attacks over the network.
The free UCSniff tool, available in Linux and Windows versions, offers a slick graphical user interface for sniffing video, said Jason Ostrom, director of the Viper Lab at Sipera Systems. The tool basically tricks the voice-over-IP network carrying the video into sending the data packets to the attacker's computer, he said.
This could be used to spy on people. For instance, an attacker could listen in on and record confidential conversations between an executive who is on a video conference call with another remote executive, according to Ostrom.
Ostrom and Arjun Sambamoorthy, a research engineer at Viper Lab, also have developed another free tool called VideoJak that can be used to intercept video streams.
Thieves planning to steal from a museum, for example, could use the tool to change live surveillance video being watched by a museum security guard so that it replayed previous video of the art, giving thieves time to steal art without detection. (more)
An attacker needs to be in the same building as the victims to carry out the man-in-the-middle attacks over the network.
The free UCSniff tool, available in Linux and Windows versions, offers a slick graphical user interface for sniffing video, said Jason Ostrom, director of the Viper Lab at Sipera Systems. The tool basically tricks the voice-over-IP network carrying the video into sending the data packets to the attacker's computer, he said.
This could be used to spy on people. For instance, an attacker could listen in on and record confidential conversations between an executive who is on a video conference call with another remote executive, according to Ostrom.
Ostrom and Arjun Sambamoorthy, a research engineer at Viper Lab, also have developed another free tool called VideoJak that can be used to intercept video streams.
Thieves planning to steal from a museum, for example, could use the tool to change live surveillance video being watched by a museum security guard so that it replayed previous video of the art, giving thieves time to steal art without detection. (more)
A Glimpse at Corporate Spying
Paris - The story has the elements of a corporate thriller: a cast of characters that includes former French spies and military men, an American cycling champion, Greenpeace activists and a dogged judge whose investigation takes him from a sports doping laboratory outside Paris to a Moroccan jail and to some of the top corporations in France.
Like installments in a serial novel, new revelations have been dripping out since March. And while the climax is still probably many months away, the story is providing a rare glimpse into the shadowy and potentially lucrative business of gathering what corporations refer to as “strategic intelligence.” (more)
The whole story is as fascinating as it is revealing. Click "more" to read the full story.
High stakes business espionage is very real.
Smart executives have counterespionage programs. Doubters have their pockets picked. Stories like this represent espionage failures; the tip of the spyberg. Successful spying (by definition) goes unnoticed. ~Kevin
Like installments in a serial novel, new revelations have been dripping out since March. And while the climax is still probably many months away, the story is providing a rare glimpse into the shadowy and potentially lucrative business of gathering what corporations refer to as “strategic intelligence.” (more)
The whole story is as fascinating as it is revealing. Click "more" to read the full story.High stakes business espionage is very real.
Smart executives have counterespionage programs. Doubters have their pockets picked. Stories like this represent espionage failures; the tip of the spyberg. Successful spying (by definition) goes unnoticed. ~Kevin
Export, eh?
Canadians vow mass-mooning of US spy-blimp70+ Canadians in Sarnia, Ontario have committed to dropping their pants and mooning a spy balloon that a US company is launching to surveil the border, including their town. (more)
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Business Espionage - Chow Down
The owner of restaurant chain Mr. Chow alleges a rival restaurateur sent a spy to his soon-to-open Miami eatery to learn Mr. Chow's secrets.
FL - Michael Chow, who started his first Mr. Chow store more than 30 years ago, added "corporate espionage" to the charges in his trademark infringement suit against Philippe Chow, a former employee who owns a restaurant across the street from the new Mr. Chow, the New York Post reported Friday.
The lawsuit claims a 65-year-old man disguised as a chef was present when kitchen staff were being briefed on plans for the restaurant and, when confronted by an executive chef, said he was "incognito" so "your boss will not notice."
Philippe and his partner, Stratis Morfogen, denied the charges.
"This is beyond bizarre and at this point we have no further comment describing Michael Chow's delusional and paranoid state of mind," Morforgen said. (more)
Ouch! That bites.
FL - Michael Chow, who started his first Mr. Chow store more than 30 years ago, added "corporate espionage" to the charges in his trademark infringement suit against Philippe Chow, a former employee who owns a restaurant across the street from the new Mr. Chow, the New York Post reported Friday.
The lawsuit claims a 65-year-old man disguised as a chef was present when kitchen staff were being briefed on plans for the restaurant and, when confronted by an executive chef, said he was "incognito" so "your boss will not notice."
Philippe and his partner, Stratis Morfogen, denied the charges.
"This is beyond bizarre and at this point we have no further comment describing Michael Chow's delusional and paranoid state of mind," Morforgen said. (more)
Ouch! That bites.
Friday, July 31, 2009
iPhone Text Vulnerability
A pair of security experts have found a vulnerability in the iPhone that allows a hacker to take control of an iPhone through a text-message attack.
Cybersecurity researchers Charlie Miller and Collin Mulliner explained the security hole at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas on Thursday. They said they informed Apple of the problem a month ago but the problem has not been patched, according to Forbes, which said Apple has declined to comment on the issue.
The iPhone, Miller and Mulliner said, can be controlled by an outside hacker through a series of mostly invisible SMS - short message service - bursts. That would give someone control over an iPhone user's phone, text messaging, Web browsing, microphone and camera functions. There is a similar flaw in Windows Mobile phones.
Should You Worry?
MyMobiSafe founder Eric Everson said it's highly unlikely they will be targeted. He said the attack would require hundreds of SMS texts (512 to be exact) to any phone. He said if any of the SMS messages are deleted before the attack is complete, then the hack will not be effective.
To be on the safe side, if you receive a text message with a square in it, turn off your iPhone or switch the device into airplane mode. (more)
◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊...
(just kidding :)
UPDATE - "Less than 24 hours after a demonstration of this exploit, we've issued a free software update that eliminates the vulnerability from the iPhone." - Apple spokesman, Tom Neumayr. (more)
Cybersecurity researchers Charlie Miller and Collin Mulliner explained the security hole at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas on Thursday. They said they informed Apple of the problem a month ago but the problem has not been patched, according to Forbes, which said Apple has declined to comment on the issue.
The iPhone, Miller and Mulliner said, can be controlled by an outside hacker through a series of mostly invisible SMS - short message service - bursts. That would give someone control over an iPhone user's phone, text messaging, Web browsing, microphone and camera functions. There is a similar flaw in Windows Mobile phones.
Should You Worry? MyMobiSafe founder Eric Everson said it's highly unlikely they will be targeted. He said the attack would require hundreds of SMS texts (512 to be exact) to any phone. He said if any of the SMS messages are deleted before the attack is complete, then the hack will not be effective.
To be on the safe side, if you receive a text message with a square in it, turn off your iPhone or switch the device into airplane mode. (more)
◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊...
(just kidding :)
UPDATE - "Less than 24 hours after a demonstration of this exploit, we've issued a free software update that eliminates the vulnerability from the iPhone." - Apple spokesman, Tom Neumayr. (more)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
"Is that your thumb, or are you just glad to see me?"
from the seller's Web site..."Do personal Investigations Do Secret Surveillance Gather Evidence"
Thumbcorder (AJ-024TC) is the smallest real USB Flash Drive Spy Cam hands free Camcorder in the world with Built in 8Gb USB Flash Disk, Use it as a normal flash drive, spy pen camera in your pocket
Record with single switch
Just slide the Switch to Rec. will start recording, just slide switch to off to stop recording that's all... it will record sound and video. Really very easy to use.
View Recorded files
Simply connect the Thumbcorder to any USB port of your computer and view or copy the files to view. No need for any cable or extension.
Also, you can use it as USB disk drive. (more)
BTW, they plan to advertise this on television (USA Network).
Why do I mention it?
So you will know it when you see it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Badge is Not The Bullet-Proof Vest
A data breach at Internet domain administrator and host Network Solutions has compromised personal and financial data for more than 573,000 credit and debit cardholders. To add more pain to the breach, Network Solutions says it was PCI compliant at the time of the breach.The PCI Security Council Weighs In...
Just because a company has passed its compliance validation, it doesn't mean that the need for vigilance of security measures should stop, says PCI Security Standards Council General Manager Bob Russo. As for whether Network Solutions was PCI-compliant at the time of the breach, Russo notes, "Until a forensics investigation is completed, an organization can not comment accurately on its compliance status."(more)
Effectiveness of any security measure is directly dependent upon the other security measures in place. Imagine your "wall of protection" as building blocks. One block is ineffective without the other blocks. Each block has its purpose and place... and you need every type of block to build a strong and effective wall.
The relationship is both symbiotic and synergistic.
According to the results of our recent poll (below), TSCM sweeps are a totally overlooked 'block' more than 80% of the time. Learn from the mistakes of others. Look at your wall, plug the holes.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Poll: Workplace Bug Sweeps
In our latest poll, we asked our readership - mainly people with organizational security interests - "How often does your workplace conduct... "Bug Sweeps?" 17% responded that TSCM inspections are being conducted.
The frequency of these inspections are:
8% Monthly
3% Quarterly
3% Biannually
3% Yearly
3% "Don't know how often."
81% said, "They don't check."
No one indicated, "When problems arise," or "Other."
Security Directors: FREE Security White Paper - "Surreptitious Workplace Recording ...and what you can do about it."
The first phone-spy software seller arrested
Vietnam - Software that allows people to bug private phone calls or text messages is now offered for sale on many websites. A man who sold the software has been recently arrested in HCM City.Where does the spy software come from?
According to IT experts, the software orginated in western countries. It is said that there are more than 200 companies trading spy phone software online, called Spy Mobile and Mobile Phone Spy, at a price of US$50-300. The service has become popular and for sale online like any other product...
Nguyen Thanh Trung, representative of the Nam Truong Son Company, which supplies anti-virus software in Vietnam, said the company’s software Kaspersky Mobile Security was considered the most effective protection against spy software. “When this anti-tap software is installed, it will prevent unwanted software from being installed in mobile phones.” (more)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
"It's outdated because... uh, they know."
The New Hampshire Attorney General's office is planning to review a county investigation report regarding the wiretapping of civilian employees working in the Portsmouth Police Department's records office.
In June, Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams sent a letter to Police Chief Michael Magnant indicating his office didn't find sufficient evidence to bring charges against any police employee responsible for installing a microphone recording device. At least one police department employee complained upon learning they were being recorded.
The chief noted the device allowing a supervisor to monitor conversations from their computers in other parts of the police headquarters was outdated, and the department has since changed policies to prevent such concerns. (more)
In June, Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams sent a letter to Police Chief Michael Magnant indicating his office didn't find sufficient evidence to bring charges against any police employee responsible for installing a microphone recording device. At least one police department employee complained upon learning they were being recorded.
The chief noted the device allowing a supervisor to monitor conversations from their computers in other parts of the police headquarters was outdated, and the department has since changed policies to prevent such concerns. (more)
Cheche Lazaro - Update
Philippines - Broadcast journalist Cheche Lazaro entered a “not guilty” plea on the wiretapping charges filed against her by a ranking official of the Government Service Insurance System. (more) (background)
Men In Black Kick Bu... ...gs?
It seems the line between paranoia, spying and diplomacy is blurry in New Zealand.
According to Sir Clive Woodward, spying is a fact of rugby life (and he would know) and few understand this better than New Zealand.
Hardly a tour goes by without the Kiwi camp escalating tensions with claims of spying - and this year's Tri-Nations seems no exception.
New Zealand take their 'game secrets' so seriously that they've a constant security protocol, they have food and nutrition specialists and a truckload of personal security specialists.
Ahead of their Bloemfontein game, the All Blacks have allegedly again demanded exclusive use of facilities in Pretoria, where they have set up a 'bug-free' training camp. (more)
According to Sir Clive Woodward, spying is a fact of rugby life (and he would know) and few understand this better than New Zealand.Hardly a tour goes by without the Kiwi camp escalating tensions with claims of spying - and this year's Tri-Nations seems no exception.
New Zealand take their 'game secrets' so seriously that they've a constant security protocol, they have food and nutrition specialists and a truckload of personal security specialists.
Ahead of their Bloemfontein game, the All Blacks have allegedly again demanded exclusive use of facilities in Pretoria, where they have set up a 'bug-free' training camp. (more)
World's Dorkiest SpyCams
NUMBER THREE(from the seller's Web site...)
"Sunglasses can be used as part of a disguise or to build an identity. In some old school spy and detective type movies, sunglasses are used as a way to hide a character's identity and try to blend in and not look obvious. Other times, sunglasses are used by a character to display that he is a bonafide badass and not someone to be messed with.
The Spycam Video Sunglasses are not intended to be part of any disguise - they are the disguise - concealing a tiny video camera in the center of the glasses. (Click photo to see big "bonafide" hole.) Capable of capturing excellent quality video and audio, these Spycam Video Sunglasses can be comfortably worn nearly anywhere to help you get the footage. Video is stored in AVI format on a Micro SD card. These glasses also feature easy-to-use controls which are located on the glasses frame. The built-in battery is rechargeable via USB connection and has a battery operating life of about 3-4 hours." (more)
NUMBER TWO
(from the seller's Web site...)
"Digital Binocular Sports and Spy Camera with a telescopic lens that is great for outdoor surveillance. The Avatar comes with a 2.5 inch display screen for viewing comfort and multimedia functions, including music and video player. This single lens video and photo camera is often called a "Monocular Telescopic Sports Camera".The Avatar digital camera lets you can take snap shots from one building looking out on to another building, balcony or apartment, and works best in full daylight conditions." (more)
NUMBER ONE
(from the seller's Web site...)
"No One Will Suspect That This Clock Radio Is Recording Their Every Move
(Because it is too ugly to look at?)
Standard Clock Radio Doubles As Hidden Spy Camera - This fully functional SONY digital clock doubles as a completely covert hidden camera. The SONY Dream Machine Hidden Camera records high quality real-time video day or night with an automatic switching nightvision camera that activates the moment it gets dark for nightvision up to 30 ft. away. Record real-time motion-activated video or high resolution still shots onto a tiny SD card, housed in a hidden compartment for easy transfer and viewing." (more)
Friday, July 24, 2009
FutureWatch - FiberCam
T-shirts that can snap photos or carpets that are able to report a buildup of dust may one day be possible, thanks to the creation of a fiber that can detect images. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a polymer fiber that can detect the angle, intensity, phase, and wavelength of light hitting it, information that can be used to re-create a picture of an object without a lens.”Once you have the phase and amplitude of a wave, you can then figure out what the object was that the wave emanated from,” says Yoel Fink, director of MIT’s Photonic Bandgap Fibers and Devices Group. (more) (more) (video profile of Yoel Fink)
Eavesdropping on Bus-ted
Maryland's acting transportation chief, citing concerns about privacy, has pulled back an internal proposal to use listening devices on its buses and trains for recording conversations of passengers and employees.
The Maryland Transit Administration had been considering adopting a system that would allow it to conduct audio surveillance similar to that in several other large U.S. cities (San Francisco, for one.)...
The MTA asked the attorney general to clarify whether Maryland's Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act would require the MTA to obtain the consent of passengers before recording their conversations.
If consent is required, the MTA asked whether posting a sign informing riders they were under audio surveillance would be sufficient notice. (more) (video)
The Maryland Transit Administration had been considering adopting a system that would allow it to conduct audio surveillance similar to that in several other large U.S. cities (San Francisco, for one.)...
The MTA asked the attorney general to clarify whether Maryland's Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act would require the MTA to obtain the consent of passengers before recording their conversations.
If consent is required, the MTA asked whether posting a sign informing riders they were under audio surveillance would be sufficient notice. (more) (video)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Mighty Mouse, Atom Ant, Secret Squirrel...
The movie "G-Force" stars a squad of U.S. government-trained guinea pig spies on a mission to thwart an evil billionaire from taking over the world.
While the plot is pure Hollywood, nature is full of critters great and small that humanity has harnessed for espionage, protection and moral support.
• Dolphins
• Sea Lions
• Fish
• Sharks
• Dogs
• Penguin
• Insects
• Robot Chicken (just kidding)
(more)
P.S. - Could "G-Force" be based on a real rodent spy case? (Click here.)
While the plot is pure Hollywood, nature is full of critters great and small that humanity has harnessed for espionage, protection and moral support.
• Dolphins
• Sea Lions
• Fish
• Sharks
• Dogs
• Penguin
• Insects
• Robot Chicken (just kidding)
(more)
P.S. - Could "G-Force" be based on a real rodent spy case? (Click here.)
SpyCam Story #542 - PottyCams, BullyCams...
• In South London, the newly refurbished Stockwell Park High School has nearly 100 CCTV cameras on the premises, with another 100 due to be installed. Not only are the general areas monitored but classrooms also have cameras... the school plans to use the cameras to resolve disputes about bullying or if claims are made against teachers.
• A primary school in the UK is using closed circuit television in toilets in a bid to catch vandals... "The pupils of the school saw that there was available space on the security system operating in the school and asked whether TV cameras could be installed just to cover the sink areas in order to prevent further vandalism to the toilets," said Principal, Len Holman. (more)
• A primary school in the UK is using closed circuit television in toilets in a bid to catch vandals... "The pupils of the school saw that there was available space on the security system operating in the school and asked whether TV cameras could be installed just to cover the sink areas in order to prevent further vandalism to the toilets," said Principal, Len Holman. (more)
The Future of TSCM - Mind Reading
... Why is it so hard to know other people's minds?
Or, better yet, why is it so easy?
MIT neuroscientist Rebecca Saxe is trying to reconcile these two questions. She is studying the part of our brain called the right temporoprietal junction that is almost entirely specialized to think about and judge other people's thoughts.
Between age 3 and 5 children learn that people can have false beliefs, but only by age 7 have they developed the ability to apply moral judgments to other people's thoughts.
It takes a while for the TPJ to develop, but by adulthood it lights up brightly in brain scanners when moral judgments run hot.
But Saxe's lab, using a machine called a transcranial magnetic stimulator, which applies an electromagnetic pulse to a targeted point in the brain, can temporarily disable the function in the TPJ and change what people think about someone else's actions.
Think of the possibilities for trial lawyers, spymasters and advertisers. The Pentagon has called Saxe, but she is not taking its calls. (more)
Or, better yet, why is it so easy?
MIT neuroscientist Rebecca Saxe is trying to reconcile these two questions. She is studying the part of our brain called the right temporoprietal junction that is almost entirely specialized to think about and judge other people's thoughts.
Between age 3 and 5 children learn that people can have false beliefs, but only by age 7 have they developed the ability to apply moral judgments to other people's thoughts.
It takes a while for the TPJ to develop, but by adulthood it lights up brightly in brain scanners when moral judgments run hot.But Saxe's lab, using a machine called a transcranial magnetic stimulator, which applies an electromagnetic pulse to a targeted point in the brain, can temporarily disable the function in the TPJ and change what people think about someone else's actions.
Think of the possibilities for trial lawyers, spymasters and advertisers. The Pentagon has called Saxe, but she is not taking its calls. (more)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Security Direct Alert - National Critical Infrastructure
If your job involves protecting any part of the National Critical Infrastructure you will do well to engage the services of John Sullivant, CSC, CHS-III, CPP as your consultant.
Not quite ready for that yet?
Just want to pick his brain?
Here you go...
Strategies for Protecting National Critical Infrastructure Assets: A Focus on Problem-Solving
eases the research burden, develops investigative protocols, and pulls together data into a comprehensive and practical guide, to help the serious reader understand advanced concepts and techniques of risk assessment with an emphasis on meeting the security needs of the critical national infrastructure.
• Helps the reader to understand advanced concepts and techniques of risk assessment
• Provides a quick, reliable, and practical "briefcase" reference to use in the office as well as on the road
• Introduces the elements of the risk assessment process by defining its purpose and objectives, describing the behavioural and physical sciences, the techniques employed in the process, and the measurement and evaluation tools and standards used to perform an objective risk assessment.
Hardcover: 648 pages
Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 1st edition (September 26, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0471799262
ISBN-13: 978-0471799269
Contact:
John Sullivant, CSC, CHS-III, CPP - Founder Owner and President
S3E - Sisters Three Entrepreneurs Security Consultants Company
7733 Hampton Ave. Suite 1 - West Hollywood, CA 90046
W: 323-850-6920 Direct: 310-703-4317
www.S3EConsultants.com
Not quite ready for that yet?
Just want to pick his brain?
Here you go...
Strategies for Protecting National Critical Infrastructure Assets: A Focus on Problem-Solving
eases the research burden, develops investigative protocols, and pulls together data into a comprehensive and practical guide, to help the serious reader understand advanced concepts and techniques of risk assessment with an emphasis on meeting the security needs of the critical national infrastructure.• Helps the reader to understand advanced concepts and techniques of risk assessment
• Provides a quick, reliable, and practical "briefcase" reference to use in the office as well as on the road
• Introduces the elements of the risk assessment process by defining its purpose and objectives, describing the behavioural and physical sciences, the techniques employed in the process, and the measurement and evaluation tools and standards used to perform an objective risk assessment.
Hardcover: 648 pages
Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 1st edition (September 26, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0471799262
ISBN-13: 978-0471799269
Contact:
John Sullivant, CSC, CHS-III, CPP - Founder Owner and President
S3E - Sisters Three Entrepreneurs Security Consultants Company
7733 Hampton Ave. Suite 1 - West Hollywood, CA 90046
W: 323-850-6920 Direct: 310-703-4317
www.S3EConsultants.com
China - Bribery is Espionage
China’s detention of Rio Tinto Group executives amid allegations of espionage and bribery should serve as a reminder to foreign companies that they may also risk prosecution by U.S. enforcement agencies...
By treating information from state-owned companies as secrets, China affirmed the broad definition of public officials under the U.S. legislation, said Shanghai-based lawyer Lesli Ligorner. (more)
By treating information from state-owned companies as secrets, China affirmed the broad definition of public officials under the U.S. legislation, said Shanghai-based lawyer Lesli Ligorner. (more)
SpyCam Alert - From Head to Toe
From the Omejo Web site... This is a hidden top hat, but inside built in a ultra-small digital spy camera recorder DVR, it looks like an ordinary small top hat, but it has a powerful feature that can record cover real time videos, its a normal mini top hat that most of interesting part is that it internally hides in a small ultra-shaped camera DVR, it does not need any external plug-in card, built in 4GB memory, can work up to 6-7 hours. There is time and date for the recorded video, you can get the most authentic evidence by this wonderful spy device. Ideal for CIA agents, police, detector, and spy agency. (more) 
The World's the most powerful audio video 2.4 GHz wireless with Hidden Shoes camera, super crisp real time audio video recording with date time stamping. Specially designed for Law enforcement agencies for their hidden investigation. This amazing device is ideal for covert or spy operations. (more)Why do I mention it?
So you will know what you're up against.
SpyCam Story #541 - Erin Andrews
As millions of Internet users continue scouring the Web for videos of Erin Andrews, the ESPN sportscaster who was surreptitiously filmed naked in a hotel room, amateur and professional sleuths looking for a culprit now contend that there are actually multiple clips which appear to have been filmed in at least two different locations....
The grainy images shot through what appears to be a makeshift hole in a wall, show Andrews undressing and appearing nude in an unknown hotel room, apparently unaware that she is being filmed...
The Web site TMZ.com has viewed several pieces of footage and surmised there are six separate clips circulating online, four filmed at one hotel and two from a second.
According to the site, the first set of videos was filmed through a round hole, and the second set filmed through a jagged hole. There is reportedly different furniture in each of the rooms.
TMZ speculates that the alleged peeping tom was someone -- possibly an ESPN employee -- who had knowledge of Andrews' schedule. (more)
Security Directors: FREE Security White Paper - "Surreptitious Workplace Recording ...and what you can do about it."
The grainy images shot through what appears to be a makeshift hole in a wall, show Andrews undressing and appearing nude in an unknown hotel room, apparently unaware that she is being filmed...
The Web site TMZ.com has viewed several pieces of footage and surmised there are six separate clips circulating online, four filmed at one hotel and two from a second.
According to the site, the first set of videos was filmed through a round hole, and the second set filmed through a jagged hole. There is reportedly different furniture in each of the rooms.
TMZ speculates that the alleged peeping tom was someone -- possibly an ESPN employee -- who had knowledge of Andrews' schedule. (more)
Security Directors: FREE Security White Paper - "Surreptitious Workplace Recording ...and what you can do about it."
Missing iPhone Leads to Suicide
Police in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen are investigating the suicide of an employee of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which assembles the popular iPhone for Apple Inc....
Sun Danyong, a recent engineering graduate, jumped out of the window of his apartment last Thursday. The reports said Sun, who had been tasked with sending iPhone prototypes to Apple, had been under suspicion for stealing after one of the handsets went missing. Some publications reported that, in the days prior to his suicide, Sun had been detained and beaten by a senior official in the security department of the Taiwan-based electronics manufacturing giant.
Hon Hai also said it suspended a security official who had questioned Mr. Sun before his death. The security official couldn't be reached for comment...
Apple is known for requiring suppliers to sign contracts that impose hefty financial penalties if they are found to have leaked sensitive information. (more) (more)
Sun Danyong, a recent engineering graduate, jumped out of the window of his apartment last Thursday. The reports said Sun, who had been tasked with sending iPhone prototypes to Apple, had been under suspicion for stealing after one of the handsets went missing. Some publications reported that, in the days prior to his suicide, Sun had been detained and beaten by a senior official in the security department of the Taiwan-based electronics manufacturing giant.
Hon Hai also said it suspended a security official who had questioned Mr. Sun before his death. The security official couldn't be reached for comment...
Apple is known for requiring suppliers to sign contracts that impose hefty financial penalties if they are found to have leaked sensitive information. (more) (more)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Berry Patch
UAE - The battery-sapping "performance patch" that Etisalat sent to its BlackBerry subscribers over the last few days was designed to give the UAE operator the ability to read its customers emails and text messages, a Qatar-based software expert told CommsMEA yesterday.
Last week, Etisalat told its 100,000 BlackBerry subscribers that a "performance enhancement patch" would be sent to them to "provide the best BlackBerry service and ultimate experience". But users who downloaded the software complained of dramatically reduced battery life and slower than usual performance of their devices.
Nigel Gourlay, a Doha-based Sun-certified Java programmer who has been developing open source software for 15 years, analysed the patch after it was posted on BlackBerry’s community support forum and he said that once installed, it potentially gives Etisalat the power to view all emails and text messages sent from the BlackBerry. (more)
FutureWatch - Governments may make the manufacturer or carrier pre-load this capability as a condition of doing business in that country.
Last week, Etisalat told its 100,000 BlackBerry subscribers that a "performance enhancement patch" would be sent to them to "provide the best BlackBerry service and ultimate experience". But users who downloaded the software complained of dramatically reduced battery life and slower than usual performance of their devices.
Nigel Gourlay, a Doha-based Sun-certified Java programmer who has been developing open source software for 15 years, analysed the patch after it was posted on BlackBerry’s community support forum and he said that once installed, it potentially gives Etisalat the power to view all emails and text messages sent from the BlackBerry. (more)
FutureWatch - Governments may make the manufacturer or carrier pre-load this capability as a condition of doing business in that country.
What CEOs Don't Know About Cybersecurity
A new study hints at how often cyberthreats aren't communicated to the boss.
Being the chief executive has its privileges. And one of them may be a blissful ignorance of your company's data breach risks.
According to a study to be released Tuesday by the privacy-focused Ponemon Institute, companies' chief executives tend to value cybersecurity just as--if not more--highly than their executive colleagues. But compared to lower-level execs, CEOs also tend to underestimate the frequency of cyberthreats their organization faces. (more)
Having observed the scene for over 30 years, these findings may be extended to include any technical threat to information security.
Quote of the Day -- "We don't know how much filtering of bad news happens that keeps CEOs from hearing some of the darker secrets." ~ Dr. Larry Ponemon
Being the chief executive has its privileges. And one of them may be a blissful ignorance of your company's data breach risks.
According to a study to be released Tuesday by the privacy-focused Ponemon Institute, companies' chief executives tend to value cybersecurity just as--if not more--highly than their executive colleagues. But compared to lower-level execs, CEOs also tend to underestimate the frequency of cyberthreats their organization faces. (more)
Having observed the scene for over 30 years, these findings may be extended to include any technical threat to information security.
Quote of the Day -- "We don't know how much filtering of bad news happens that keeps CEOs from hearing some of the darker secrets." ~ Dr. Larry Ponemon
ESC Highlights Growing Espionage Threat
Some items from the latest issue of Employee Security Connection...
Corporate Espionage Rising: All told, U.S. businesses lose up to $250 billion in revenue as well as 750,000 jobs annually. To help your employees do their part to fight spying and insider risks, we explain the basic types of threats-both technical and non-technical.
Security Risks R Us: Think your employees know their stuff when it comes to spying? Here we offer a quick quiz for your employees to assess their security savvy.
Foreign Affairs: You'll want your employees to take note of this recent case in which a contractor lost his security clearance and went to jail for failing to report his relationship with a Chinese national.
Be Safe When Traveling Overseas: Whether your employees are packing for a pleasure trip or just hoping to do some sightseeing in conjunction with business travel, we provide some timely tips to help them prepare. (q.v. Staying Safe Abroad)
Security Directors...
Employee Security Connection is a quarterly awareness newsletter, developed by the National Security Institute to help educate employees to the risks and security responsibilities for protecting classified and proprietary information. Four quarterly issues, 8 pages each, in Adobe PDF format. Customized with your logo. One subscription allows organization-wide distribution rights (e-mail, intranet or print). They do all the work. You get all the credit. Easy!
Corporate Espionage Rising: All told, U.S. businesses lose up to $250 billion in revenue as well as 750,000 jobs annually. To help your employees do their part to fight spying and insider risks, we explain the basic types of threats-both technical and non-technical.
Security Risks R Us: Think your employees know their stuff when it comes to spying? Here we offer a quick quiz for your employees to assess their security savvy.
Foreign Affairs: You'll want your employees to take note of this recent case in which a contractor lost his security clearance and went to jail for failing to report his relationship with a Chinese national.
Be Safe When Traveling Overseas: Whether your employees are packing for a pleasure trip or just hoping to do some sightseeing in conjunction with business travel, we provide some timely tips to help them prepare. (q.v. Staying Safe Abroad)
Security Directors...
Employee Security Connection is a quarterly awareness newsletter, developed by the National Security Institute to help educate employees to the risks and security responsibilities for protecting classified and proprietary information. Four quarterly issues, 8 pages each, in Adobe PDF format. Customized with your logo. One subscription allows organization-wide distribution rights (e-mail, intranet or print). They do all the work. You get all the credit. Easy!
Japanese scientists to build robot insects
Japan - Police release a swarm of robot-moths to sniff out a distant drug stash. Rescue robot-bees dodge through earthquake rubble to find survivors.These may sound like science-fiction scenarios, but they are the visions of Japanese scientists who hope to understand and then rebuild the brains of insects and program them for specific tasks.
Ryohei Kanzaki, a professor at Tokyo University's Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology, has studied insect brains for three decades and become a pioneer in the field of insect-machine hybrids. (more)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Negative feedback, buyer claims he was arrested.
A Chinese national was indicted this week for conspiring to violate U.S. export law, following a nearly three-year investigation into his alleged efforts to acquire sensitive military and NSA-encryption gear from eBay and other internet sources.
Chi Tong Kuok, of Macau, told Defense Department and Customs investigators that he had been “acting at the direction of officials for the People’s Republic of China,” according to a government affidavit in the case. “Kuak indicated he and PRC officials sought the items to figure out ways to listen to or monitor U.S. government and military communications.” (more) (sing-a-long)
Chi Tong Kuok, of Macau, told Defense Department and Customs investigators that he had been “acting at the direction of officials for the People’s Republic of China,” according to a government affidavit in the case. “Kuak indicated he and PRC officials sought the items to figure out ways to listen to or monitor U.S. government and military communications.” (more) (sing-a-long)
You know spying is a major problem when...
...Forbes Magazine is hawking spy gear on their Web site.
(Click to enlarge)
Follow-up: Murdock Phone Tap Scandal
via Politics Daily... The Guardian broke a story revealing that Rupert Murdoch's News Group Newspapers has paid out more than 1 million pounds in court costs after its journalists were accused of involvement in phone tapping.The journalists allegedly hired private investigators to hack into the mobile phones of public figures ranging from former deputy prime minister John Prescott to supermodel Elle McPherson, as well as numerous other politicians, sports stars and actors. The investigators allegedly gained access to all sorts of confidential information about these people, including tax records, bank statements and social security files...
...one of Murdoch's former editors at the News of the World says that this scandal constitutes one of the major media stories of modern times.
First, it suggests that such behavior -- if shown to be true -- was not the result of a few rogue reporters but a systemic policy in the newsroom, opening the paper up to the possibility of a class-action lawsuit.
Second, the scandal also threatens to embroil the Metropolitan police -- who apparently did not alert all those whose phones were targeted -- as well as the Crown Prosecution Service, which did not pursue all possible charges against News Group personnel. Finally, even Conservative party leader David Cameron could be tainted by this one: The party's chief of communications, Andy Coulson, was an editor at the News of the World when the alleged wire-tapping took place. Murdoch, for his part, maintains that he knew nothing about any of this.
This morning, the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee of the British Parliament announced it is launching an official investigation into the use of illegal surveillance techniques. (more)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Does your Security Program Include TSCM?
If not, your corporate strategies are about this well protected.Add TSCM / Eavesdropping Detection Audits to your security program.
Contact a qualified specialist, today. ~Kevin
Security Director Alert - "Get me some dirt on..."
Electronic eavesdropping and wiretapping attacks are coming at you from all angles: competitors, disgruntled employees, unions, foreign governments, activists, and the media. Here is a high-profile example of media spying...
Rupert Murdoch's News Group News papers has paid out more than £1m to settle legal cases that threatened to reveal evidence of his journalists' repeated involvement in the use of criminal methods to get stories.
The payments secured secrecy over out-of-court settlements in three cases that threatened to expose evidence of Murdoch journalists using private investigators who illegally hacked into the mobile phone messages of numerous public figures to gain unlawful access to confidential personal data, including tax records, social security files, bank statements and itemised phone bills.
Cabinet ministers, MPs, actors and sports stars were all targets of the private investigators.
How pervasive was this snooping?
...one senior source at the Met told the Guardian that during the Goodman inquiry, officers found evidence of News Group staff using private investigators who hacked into "thousands" of mobile phones. Another source with direct knowledge of the police findings put the figure at "two or three thousand" mobiles. (more) (more)
Rupert Murdoch's News Group News papers has paid out more than £1m to settle legal cases that threatened to reveal evidence of his journalists' repeated involvement in the use of criminal methods to get stories. The payments secured secrecy over out-of-court settlements in three cases that threatened to expose evidence of Murdoch journalists using private investigators who illegally hacked into the mobile phone messages of numerous public figures to gain unlawful access to confidential personal data, including tax records, social security files, bank statements and itemised phone bills.
Cabinet ministers, MPs, actors and sports stars were all targets of the private investigators.
How pervasive was this snooping?
...one senior source at the Met told the Guardian that during the Goodman inquiry, officers found evidence of News Group staff using private investigators who hacked into "thousands" of mobile phones. Another source with direct knowledge of the police findings put the figure at "two or three thousand" mobiles. (more) (more)
"Passwords? We don't need no stinkin'..."
Kon-Boot for Windows enables logging in to any password protected machine profile without without any knowledge of the password. There is also a version for Linux. Sounds dangerous. Stay tuned. Freeware download.Security Director Recommendation - One possible corporate environment solution; lock out USB ports and CD drives.
Spy Cheap... at The International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum Store is having a great summer sale! Up to 50% Off + Free Ground Shipping on Orders Over $50.Very Practical...
Metrosafe Anti-Theft Computer Bag
Product Facts: When you have top-secret data to deliver, there may be spies lurking around the dead drop, waiting to lift your laptop. That’s where the Metrosafe delivers. It looks like a regular laptop case, but its security features elevate it to an effective anti-theft device. It has tamper-proof, lockable
zippers and a wire-reinforced, slash-proof shoulder strap with a built-in combination lock. (You can anchor the strap around a secure object like a table leg.) Its front and bottom panels are also slash-proof to protect against knife-wielding spies. Designed with a fully padded laptop compartment with two organizer pockets, a front zippered organizer pocket and two padded pockets to hold a cell phone, PDA, camera, or MP3 player. Fits most 13” laptops. Technical Data: 840-denier ballistic nylon/high-tensile steel wire. Black. 12” x 13-1/2” x 4”. 2 lbs., 3 oz. (33% off)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Why Business Espionage is Epidemic
Business espionage has kept me in business for over 30 years now. I help organizations uncover it and stop it - before they suffer expensive losses. Eavesdropping and wiretap detection is a key component to corporate counterespionage efforts because they are the easiest espionage red flags to spot.
This is what I have learned over the years.
Business espionage is rampant due to...
1. Low cost of entry.
2. High rate of return.
3. Low probability of detection.
4. Lower probability of prosecution.
5. Even lower probability of meaningful punishment.
Example...
David A. Goldenberg, ex vice president of AMX, was arrested following a six week investigation and was charged with Unlawful Access of a Computer System/Network, Unlawful Access of Computer Data/Theft of Data and Conducting an Illegal Wiretap. On May 11 he entered a plea of guilty to felony wiretapping.
The investigation revealed that, while an employee of AMX, Goldenberg had infiltrated the email accounts of Sapphire Marketing, a sales representative for Crestron. He was intercepting emails related to potential contracts, which afforded him advanced knowledge of Sapphire's customers and bid prices affording him an opportunity to underbid them. He then established a free email account and created an automatic forward of the victim's email to that address.
He has been sentenced to three years probation, including psychological counseling, and will have to pay an undisclosed fine. The maximum sentence for the crime is five years in prison but Goldenberg has managed to avoid any jail time. (more)
In this case, damage was done. Their information and strategies were taken and used against them. The loss was expensive.
Call me if your company would like to know how to detect espionage problems before they get to this stage. ~ Kevin
This is what I have learned over the years.
Business espionage is rampant due to...
1. Low cost of entry.
2. High rate of return.
3. Low probability of detection.
4. Lower probability of prosecution.
5. Even lower probability of meaningful punishment.
Example...
David A. Goldenberg, ex vice president of AMX, was arrested following a six week investigation and was charged with Unlawful Access of a Computer System/Network, Unlawful Access of Computer Data/Theft of Data and Conducting an Illegal Wiretap. On May 11 he entered a plea of guilty to felony wiretapping.
The investigation revealed that, while an employee of AMX, Goldenberg had infiltrated the email accounts of Sapphire Marketing, a sales representative for Crestron. He was intercepting emails related to potential contracts, which afforded him advanced knowledge of Sapphire's customers and bid prices affording him an opportunity to underbid them. He then established a free email account and created an automatic forward of the victim's email to that address.
He has been sentenced to three years probation, including psychological counseling, and will have to pay an undisclosed fine. The maximum sentence for the crime is five years in prison but Goldenberg has managed to avoid any jail time. (more)
In this case, damage was done. Their information and strategies were taken and used against them. The loss was expensive.
Call me if your company would like to know how to detect espionage problems before they get to this stage. ~ Kevin
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