FBI steps up Net surveillance, following terror attack
Print storyAgents turning up with Carnivore listening boxes
Posted in Assault on America, 12th September 2001 12:41 GMT
Tune into our application security webcast, click here
The FBI has been accused of using yesterday's disaster as a way to install more of its Carnivore listening boxes into Internet systems.
FBI agents have reportedly turned up at several Internet and network service providers with a number of boxes in tow and requesting permission to install them at the heart of people's networks. Many have said yes.
One sysadmin, insisting on anonymity, told Wired.com that agents had turned up at his work "with a couple of Carnivores, requesting permission to place them in our core, along with offers to actually pay for circuits and costs". Other sources say the FBI agents have said the boxes will only be there for the next few days.
Even though the terrorist attacks are fresh in people's minds, some observers have already raised concerns that the failure of the intelligence agencies to uncover the plots will lead them to ask for increased surveillance powers. Suggestions that the terrorists communicated through encrypted information sent over the Internet have already started emerging. ®
Related Stories
Assault on America: complete coverage
More on Carnivore
How Carnivore works
Congress peers deeper into Carnivore
FBI's Carnivore review is mixed
Researchers question Carnivore review
See what The Register's experts have to say on application security
Can Outsiders Enhance Exchange?
The future of SaaS and IT infrastructure management
Solving on-premise email challenges with on-demand services
The business case for application security
Reducing messaging and web security costs with managed services
Win a Samsung C6625!
Is your cameraphone an oxymoron?
Reg Mobile and Wireless newsletter is go! go! go!
Sign up, sign up for The Register IT security newsletter