FBI Can Remotely Activate Android Smartphone And Laptop Mics, WSJ Reports

[wildbilln864]

snip/
"The tools it uses are both internally and externally sourced, with some coming from the private sector. Hacking at the FBI under court order has gradually increased, as law enforcement officials try to find ways to circumvent new communication tech that’s more resistant to traditional surveillance methods like wiretapping. The specifics of its methods are not generally brought to light in public, but a warrant from earlier this year revealed that one request involved using a computer’s built-in camera to take photos of a suspect without their knowledge. The request in that case was denied."
more here-

[Autumn]

1. So what does one do, keep them turned off?

Or can the mic be disabled in a lap top? I'm assuming if the FBI can do it any smart tech can.

[dipsydoodle]

3. I'm more interested

to see if my PCs which have neither mics or cams can have them miracled onto them,

[Autumn]

5. My laptop has both. And my desk top has a mic.

[TroglodyteScholar]

4. Removing the battery is the only reliable way to prevent any pesky snooping

Interesting that more and more smart phones lack a removable battery these days....

[Autumn]

6. My Android phone has a removable battery. But a laptop can be accessed even if turned off?

Interesting.

[dipsydoodle]

7. You can remove them on Samsungs - I've got four.

not sure about others although mention was made a few days back that iPhones by intent may have been made non removable in connection with current NSA issues - just wasn't obvious before.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

12. Many cell phones have a jack for...

...a wired ear/mic. Buy one; cut off the ear/mic and plug the stub into the jack.

Or just buy one of these:

http://www.headset.com/US-Headsets/3.5-MM-Jack-Adapter-for-Plantronics.html

[dipsydoodle]

2. Does that mean

that when my battery is flat, but I don't know that, they can plug it in to recharge it for me ?

[giftedgirl77]

8. This explains why my battery on my phone

dies so quickly. Those bastards need to find a more efficient way of snooping.

[Octafish]

9. Cameras, too?

[AppleBottom]

10. How is this not unconstitutional?

What has happened to the country I grew up in.

[agent46]

11. Fact - This is not limited to android

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

13. Ever seen the movie "Enemy of the State"? n/t