WikiLeaks has published a new set of documents that show how the CIA can hack devices such as smart TVs, computers, and smartphones to listen in and spy on people. The agency didn't confirm nor deny the documents but did say it's their job to spy on people.
According to a report from the Independent, WikiLeaks has published over 8,000 pages of documents- codenamed Vault 7- detailing the hacking secrets of the CIA. One of the biggest secrets that were exposed is that the CIA has the ability to break into any kind of computer, as well as Android and iPhone handsets.
The agency is able to do this through the use of various kinds of malware to spy on smartphones and computers that use OS from Windows, Linux, and Mac. The report adds that since CIA has the ability to hack into the device themselves, apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal becomes "entirely insecure."
These apps use encrypted messaging to ensure that users messages won't be revealed when they are intercepted in the airwaves. But since the devices themselves are being hacked, this security feature becomes useless.
Aside from computers and smartphones, the leaked documents also showed that the CIA can hack into smart TVs, using a program called "Weeping Angel." The report said that this software allows the agency to turn these smart TVs into listening devices, and even allowing these TVs to appear switched off.
CNET reports that it's still unknown whether these hacking tools and techniques are still being used or if they have already evolved, considering that the data released covered the CIA program from 2013 up to 2016.
As for the agency's response, the report said they neither confirmed nor denied the documents but said that spying on people is part of their job. Their job function includes collecting "foreign intelligence overseas to protect America from terrorists, hostile nation states, and other adversaries."
The CIA also said that they make sure they also fully comply with U.S. law and the Constitution when they do their work. They add they are legally prohibited from "conducting electronic surveillance" that targets individuals in the U.S. Check out more details about WikiLeaks' release of CIA documents in the video below.
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