For those of you living in denial........

[Strainhunter]

....here's something to read about.

Just a little snippet out of many available.

If you're interested in reading more just Google "Remote Forensic Software"


This is a PDF file.

http://events.ccc.de/camp/2007/Fahrplan/attachments/1339-ccc_remote_forensic.pdf

 

[qupee]

Questionable if a secret online installation is possible - Current plans of
the BKA regarding the installation are based on physical access to the
computer

While the average person could be easily fooled, these programs cannot operate without leaving a trail. At the very least, network traffic to and from the pc has to occur, and that can easily be blocked and detected.


Also, that whole document is in terms of "could". I am quite sure similar software exists, but this particular doc does not seem to be talking about an actual working program:

If the instrument is implemented and
limited to the most dangerous
offences it could prevent the
implementation of stricter laws

 

[Strainhunter]

While the average person could be easily fooled, these programs cannot operate without leaving a trail. At the very least, network traffic to and from the pc has to occur, and that can easily be blocked and detected.


Also, that whole document is in terms of "could". I am quite sure similar software exists, but this particular doc does not seem to be talking about an actual working program:

That's what the average PC user is all about:
Being average and not an expert.


It doesn't.
But if you Google this subject you will see that program being all around and a lot.
It's just that it was not even being known about until it was discovered just fairly recent.

 

[qupee]

That's what the average PC user is all about:
Being average and not an expert.


It doesn't.
But if you Google this subject you will see that program being all around and a lot.
It's just that it was not even being known about until it was discovered just fairly recent.

Sure. I think it's important for people also to know that right now, someone has to gain physical access to your pc to install such software (unless you are really the victim of sophisticated targeting -- it is possible to install remotely, but you would have to trick the user into first going to a malicious site and second approving the download and install from that malicious site).

It's also important to know that it is very possible to protect yourself from such monitoring. I would call it analogous to using a radio signal sniffer and/or jammer to find bugs and trackers.

Lastly, I thought this was old news. We've known for at least 10 years that the FBI uses keylogger apps that they secretly install on people's pc's. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/12/03/fbi_magic_lantern_reality_check/