drag2share: EFF: Security software distributed by cops is actually spyware in disguise
Various schools, libraries and ordinary American families might have been using a "security" software called ComputerCOP for years. After all, they probably got their copy from cops, attorney's offices or other branches of law enforcement, which tout it as a way to protect children online. Unfortunately, ComputerCOP isn't the digital protector children need -- according to tests conducted by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, it's actually a key-logging spyware that uploads unencrypted data to the software's servers. In other words, it uploads bank and email log-ins, social security numbers, among other sensitive data that can be easily intercepted and read by identity thieves, credit card hackers or even child predators.
The EFF writes:
As official as it looks, ComputerCOP is actually just spyware, generally bought in bulk from a New York company that appears to do nothing but market this software to local government agencies... Law enforcement agencies have purchased a poor product, slapped their trusted emblems on it, and passed it on to everyday people.
According to the foundation, law enforcement agencies typically buy between 1,000 and 5,000 copies of ComputerCOP for a few dollars per piece -- and yes, they use taxpayer dollars for the purchase. Within the past two years for instance, several Attorney's Offices, including San Diego's, bought 5,000 pieces for 25 grand. The foundation reckons there might be over a million copies out there, but admits it's possible that very few people have actually installed it, as its testers found it quite difficult to use. If you do know anyone who uses it religiously, though, make sure to send them EFF's full report, which details what ComputerCOP truly is and what it can do.
To first understand how to perform your own disappearing act, here's a basic lesson in lenses.
This point is called the focal point, and it is where the bent light rays converge to produce a magnified version of an object.
With these principles in mind, you're ready to build your own Rochester cloak in four simple steps!
Below is the device that the University of Rochester physicists designed.
To make an object disappear, the physicists place it in between the first two lenses on the left side of the optics bench in the image. Below, they have placed a silver ruler between these two lenses.
The ruler then disappears when you look through the front lens. Ta da!
This is the first cloaking device that can make an object appear to vanish at multiple angles. So, if you move your eye from looking straight down the center of the lens to looking slightly from the left, right, top, or down, you still won't see the ruler in the image above.
Posts
