ITinfo: FBI Uses Old Hacker Trick to Eavesdrop

FBI Levels Playing Field

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FBI Uses Old Hacker Trick to Eavesdrop

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will install its new "Magic Lantern" technology to allow investigators to secretly install keystroke recording software on suspects' computers.

The software, which records and transmits to FBI agents the actual keystrokes typed on a computer keyboard, can collect passwords and other data that the suspect user thinks is encrypted and safe. The Magic Lantern application is part of a broad FBI program called "Cyber Knight." The keystroke recording software will be installed via a variety of means, including through a Trojan horse sent via e-mail.

Prior to Magic Lantern, FBI agents had to physically touch a suspect's computer to install the key logger system. Now, using techniques developed by Internet crackers, they will be able to gain remote insight (and remote control) without having to gain physical access to the target computer.

Dave's Opinion

Applications that record keystrokes and send back reports have been around for years; some of them have been reported in previous editions of this e-zine.

This is an interesting turn of events. The FBI has actively sought to stop computer cracking, and now it's using the same technology to its own advantage. This is one way to level the playing field--use the same tools as your opponent.

Not to demean the FBI's efforts, but remember: don't open unexpected e-mail file attachments. You never know who sent it to you.

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updated November 21, 2001
http://dgl.com/itinfo/2001/it011121.html