Former government official says that microphones on Android devices can be accessed remotely

Following Edward Snowden’s NSA-related leaks, government intrusion into one’s data via the technology that permeates our lives has been a hot-topic issue (you can read more by clicking the PRISM tag below, spurring other leaks and anonymous statements of arguably less grand proportions. One such example is a rep
ort by The Wall Street Journal this evening, which spoke to former U.S. officials and sources familiar with technology they say the FBI uses to spy on suspects.

The information comes from different sources said to be familiar with methods the FBI uses to gather data from the cyber sphere, as well as court documents that reveal some of these investigative tools. According to these sources, the use of spyware and other similar software via court order is increasing, perhaps not surprising considering the increasing rate of technology adoption.

The means of spying covers a wide range of methods, among them being the use of spyware for both desktop and mobile devices that is delivered in “traditional” ways, such as with an email or a malicious link. One particularly interesting tidbit of info provided by someone identified only as “one former U.S. official” is that the FBI reportedly uses technology for activating the microphone in Android devices to secretly record conversations.

These tools are acquired via a combination of private sector purchases and internally-developed methods, with the FBI having reportedly been working on developing these various hacking tools for “more than a decade.” Not surprisingly, according to the sources, the FBI also actively exploits web bugs and hires those “who have hacking skill.” Using the secret technology can be a two-edged sword, however.

The technology is most often deployed in cases of counter terrorism, organized crime investigations, and child pornography. The FBI balks at the prospect of using the tools in investigative cases against hackers, however, because it worries that doing so will result in its methods being discovered by the suspect and being made publicly known to an Internet-wide audience. Source-SlashGear

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iPad (2022) and iPad Pro with M2 announced

Apple has announced their latest iteration of the iPad (entry level model) and the iPad Pro lineup with the new M2 processor. The event, held on the 18th of October as a recorded session displayed the key features of the iPads with the most significant being the base model iPad which has now received an upgrade. iPad 2022 This model of the base model iPad ditches the almost 12 year old home button and display layout and goes for a cleaner display only design found on the iPad Air . The chassis, which now comes with flatter sides and a TouchID fingerprint sensor on the top has also abandoned the lightning port in favor of USB C and it also comes with a set of pogo style connectors for accessories including a keyboard with trackpad. Internally, the iPad comes either as a Wifi only (Wifi6) and a 5G cellular model and is offered with 64 or 256GB of storage. The processor has also been upgraded to the Apple A14 which is the same found on the iPhone 12 series and last year's iPad Air. L...

Nikon 850 gets leaked ......does the top feature a hybrid EVF?

Obtained by NikonRumors , these two leaked press images give us the first look into what the Nikon D850 actually looks like . TL:DR - Nikon D850 has a larger penta-prism buldge on top , and it no longer features a pop up flash . The bulge will feature connectivity options (Wifi ? Bluetooth and NFC? GPS?) rather than a hybrid EVF(as rumored by many) as locking up the mirror for on sensor detection is still in its infancy ) . Nikon will implement this technology in the future once the tech improves and costs drop down , but by that time they will just feature a Mirrorless lineup as well. Although the new D850 shares the same DNA as its predecessor ,The first leaked images show us that the buttons are now illuminated , this is great for all those "Astrographers" who struggle with finding which is which on the 810 series as backlighting was left out . There is also a tiltable touch screen display and will certainly benefit all those who shoot like to shoot in odd an...

Poco has announced their latest handsets today - the Poco M5 and M5s for 2022.

The M5, powered by a helio G99 processor comes with 4GB of storage and has 64/128GB of internal storage and you can also get a 6GB Ram with 128GB storage as well. You also get a microSD card for expansion. Rest of the specs include a 6.58" LCD display and has a 5MP front camera and a rear 50MP main camera as well as a 2MP macro and 2mp depth sensor array as well. The device has a 5000 mAh and could be charged with USB - C with 18W fast charging. The second device is the M5s - this phone has a Helio G95 Soc and comes with the same 64/128 storage options and 4/6GB ram options for the 128GB model. Likewise you get a 64MP main camera, a 8MP ultrawide and a 2mp depth and 2mp macro lens set and a 13MP front camera. The device also comes with a 5000 mAh battery and has 33W fast charging too. Pricing starts at EUR 189 for the M5 and EUR206 for the M5s. GSMarena

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