Security

WikiLeaks Releases CIA Documents Exposing Spying Tactics

On March 7th, WikiLeaks published thousands of documents about the CIA’s ability to hack various tech devices such as computers, smartphones, and smart TVs. These documents were extensive, and ranged from general information about spying tactics to instructions on how to turn a smart device into a listening device. They could accomplish this by exploiting vulnerabilities in smartphones, smart TVs, and other Internet of Things devices in order to spy on specific people.

In order to protect your smartphone or tablet from spyware and other forms of malware, make sure that you update your device and apps whenever new software updates become available. These updates often contain necessary bug fixes and security patches that can prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in your smartphone. Be sure to regularly scan your smartphone for malware so that your device will not be compromised by spyware. Click here to quickly scan your device for security threats:

Are the published documents authentic?

A CIA spokesperson declared that the CIA does not comment on whether or not claimed intelligence documents are authentic. Although the documents have still not been confirmed as legitimate CIA documents, experts who have analyzed the documents believe that they are authentic. However, it is still technically unknown how WikiLeaks obtained the government documents, although they claim that they received them from a government hacker.

While it’s not surprising that the CIA has the ability to hack smart devices, the publication of these documents is controversial. This publication includes more than 8,000 documents — that’s far more than the Snowden leak. Regardless of authenticity, this publication will still damage the CIA’s reputation because this hacking ability is largely considered to be an invasion of privacy.

It’s important to make sure your various smart devices are secure.

WikiLeaks’s publication also publicly releases a lot of sensitive information about how vulnerable our various tech devices are. This means that we must be more diligent in securing our various devices. This includes being aware of the latest cyber threats, best practices for using the Internet and smart devices, and how best to protect our devices.

In order to best protect your various smart devices, make sure that the software for all of your devices is up to date. If your devices do not receive software updates, it’s then time to upgrade your smart devices to a more secure, recent model. Be cautious of which apps you download, and of shopping online or entering other sensitive information on less secure devices like smart TVs. Also, check for security threats on your Wi-Fi network regularly.

PSafe Newsroom

The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.

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