Feds Say They've Detected Apparent Rogue Spy Devices In D.C.

[Snarkoleptic]

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/04/599428495/feds-say-theyve-detected-apparent-rogue-spy-devices-in-d-c

In response to a query from Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, DHS said that it has "observed anomalous activity in the National capital Region (NCR) that appears to be consistent with International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers."

The agency added that it believes "the malicious use of IMSI catchers is a real and growing risk." Wyden wrote to DHS in November asking for information about the use of IMSI catchers by foreign intelligence agencies.

The devices, which can be as small as a suitcase, work by mimicking actual cell towers. NPR's L. Carol Ritchie explains:

"IMSI catchers trick cellphones into thinking they're connected, as normal, to a network like Verizon or AT&T. But the devices hijack the phone's signal, and in some cases, intercept the contents of calls and texts. The IMSI catchers take advantage of a vulnerability built into the system. Phones using 3G or 4G technology can authenticate cell towers, but phones on older 2G systems cannot tell between real and fake towers."

[NightWatcher]

1. There are more advanced Stingrays that can fool 3G (that I know) and most likely 4G as well.

There is no privacy.

[triron]

2. Wonder how long they have been operating.

[Snarkoleptic]

3. And who's operting them.

You would think each one has a traceable serial number, so that would be interesting to look into.

[Ilsa]

4. I would not put it past the RNC, too, not just foreign actors. nt

[BobTheSubgenius]

5. Unfortunately, I have to agree with at least the possibility.

What a f'ing world, huh?

[quakerboy]

7. Holdup

I think you ought to be careful about trying to make a distinction between the RNC and foreign actors. It may not be justified in the current situation.

[FakeNoose]

6. I will never send banking or credit card info by cellphone

... but I'm just old I guess. What the hell do old people know?

[MontanaMama]

8. I dont do banking

or buy anything online with my phone either. Nor do I save passwords on my phone. That’s just smart IMO.