- Images from surveillance brochures have been leaked online
- The instruments are thought to be next-generation spy gadgets
- Vest can capture a phone’s unique identifier number and track its location
- Memory stick can steal network username and password
PUBLISHED: 05:59 EST, 2 September 2013 | UPDATED: 05:59 EST, 2 September 2013
Security experts have discovered leaked surveillance brochures revealing what’s believed to be the next generation of spy gadgets.
The brochures are said to be for FinFisher, a surveillance program sold by Gamma Group, and include a wearable vest that captures the details of nearby phones and use this information to track their whereabouts.
Other leaked images, discovered by F-Secure, show a memory stick that can be used to steal the username and password of a wireless network in order to obtain personal details and banking logins, even if the network is encrypted.
Security firm F-Secure has found leaked images from a brochure believed to be selling next-generation spy gadgets. The Gamma Group brochure includes a vest, pictured, that can record the unique identifier numbers of nearby phones, and use this number to track where those phones go
WHAT IS A UNIQUE IDENTIFIER?
The unique identifier number of a mobile device is also known as the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or international mobile equipment identity (IMEI).
These numbers are used to uniquely identify each individual mobile device.
If a phone is stolen, for example, a network operator can use the number to block a handset and prevent a thief from using it.
Once a hacker, for example, has a phone’s unique identifier number they can track its whereabouts and potentially access it remotely.
The wearable device fitted to a vest is said to be 41 x 33 x 18 centimetres in size.
It takes up to 90 seconds to scan and record the unique identifier number of a nearby mobile device, also known as the the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or international mobile equipment identity (IMEI).
The brochure claims that the device works on any mobile network, in any country and can even be used to track phones in moving cars.
Other gadgets listed in the leaked documents include a bag and a car antenna that also record these unique numbers.
Once a spy, or hacker, has this number, it is possible to track the location of the phone, and ultimately, the owner.
Technology site Ars Technica additionally detail a device that can ‘intercept a target’s SMS messages’ as well as create an ‘exclusion zone’ that will prevent any phones in that area from being able to access a mobile network.
In a blog post, F-Secure’s CRO, Mikko Hypponen said: ‘FinFisher is a range of attack tools developed and sold by a company called Gamma Group.
Leaked details of the FinSpy Mobile product, pictured, suggest it can be used to record incoming and outgoing emails on mobile devices, listen in on calls and track the phone’s location. It affects iOS, Android and BlackBerry and is also believed to be the first reference of malware for Windows Phone
‘Recently, some FinFisher sales brochures and presentations were leaked on the net. They contain many interesting details about these tools.’
The tools mentioned include a FinUSB Suite that can be used to infect computers with malware through a USB stick, as well as the FinIntrusion Kit that can steal the username and passwords of wireless networks, and access the files and computers on that network in order to steal personal information and banking credentials.
Hyponnen goes on to say that this intrusion kit appears to work even if the wireless network is secure.
Additionally, the leaked screenshots also reference a product called FinSpy Mobile that can be used to record incoming and outgoing emails on mobile devices, listen in on calls and track the phone’s location.
The FinUSB Suite, pictured, can be used to infect computers with malware through a USB stick. The FinIntrusion Kit uses USBs to steal the username and passwords of wireless networks, and access the files and computers on that network as well as steal banking credentials
Hyponnen adds: ‘Interestingly, the description of FinSpy Mobile specifically mentions they support Windows Phone.
‘This is the first reference of any malware for Windows Phone we are aware of.’
FinSpy Mobile is also said to be able to hack BlackBerry, iOS and Android.
FinFisher, also known as FinSpy, is surveillance software sold by Gamma International, which is a subsidiary of the Gamma Group.
Gamma Group specialises in surveillance and monitoring, including equipment, software and training services.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2408751/The-spy-device-really-undercover-Vest-scans-nearby-mobiles-track-steal-owners-personal-details.html#ixzz2dmsDCuBq Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Categories: Health Technology News
You must log in to post a comment.