Among the spying software allegedly explored by the C.I.A. in these documents is a way to use Samsung Smart TVs to record conversations while appearing to beĀ turned off. The software was apparentlyĀ built by EDG (Engineering Development Group) who develop, test, and support computer malware for the C.I.A. such as viruses, Trojan horses, and backdoors.
WikiLeaks says the Samsung Smart TV infiltration was also developed with the help of the United Kingdomās MI5/BTSS (are you listening Ethan Hunt?). The surveillance software, branded āWeeping Angel,ā is able to fool the owner into thinking the TV is off, all the while utilizing the Smart TVās microphone to send conversations over the internet to any ābig brotherā who may be listening.
The documents also include ways to break into Android and Apple iOS devices, routers running on Linux, OSx, and Windows, and smart cars and trucks. What may be sending encryption experts back to the drawing board are alleged software hacks that allow the government to grab voice and message data before it is encrypted by applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
Looking for some code to spy on your neighbor? Not so fast. WikiLeaks editors have redacted much of the content though obtained in the leaks to avoid making the actual code public. The publication says they have several hundred million lines of computer code in their possession.
However, in terms of the Smart TV hack it apparently only affects Samsung TVs manufactured between 2012 and 2013. Owners of Samsung TVs built during those years may have outdatedĀ firmware running thatĀ can be updated via USB or Internet connection.
Samsung models manufactured during those years include the UNES7550F, UNES8000F, E8000GF, UNF7000 series, UNF7500 series, UNF8000 series, and UNF8500 series.