Xorte logo

News Markets Groups

USA | Europe | Asia | World| Stocks | Commodities



Add a new RSS channel

 
 


Keywords

2023-03-27 20:28:12| Engadget

In an executive order signed Monday, President Biden barred federal agencies from using commercial spyware that threatens US national security or carries a risk of improper use by foreign governments and individuals. The order applies to all departments, including those involved in law enforcement, defense and intelligence. It also prohibits the use of spyware that in the past was used to disclose non-public information about the US government.The executive order the Biden administration published on the White House website doesnt include a list of affected spyware vendors. Per TechCrunch, government officials declined to name specific firms when asked by reporters. However, the administration said the order includes US and foreign-made spyware. Judging from the criteria laid out in the order, known government spyware makers like Isreals NSO Group and Macedonias Cytrox are likely affected.As TechCrunch notes, security researchers have long warned of the dangers posed by commercial spyware. Such programs frequently target previously undisclosed vulnerabilities that make entire software ecosystems unsafe. In the case of NSO Groups infamous Pegasus spyware, the firm exploited a CoreGraphics vulnerability in iOS that allowed the program to infect an iPhone without the victim needing to tap anything. Moreover, while many governments claim to use spyware sparingly to investigate serious crimes, that hasnt stopped some from using the software for domestic surveillance and to target political dissidents.We are very concerned about the threat of digital authoritarianism and practices around the world but we are also very cognizant that the misuse of technology can occur in any state, a White House official told The Hill. So, we are taking steps to make sure that the way that we would like technology to be used is aligned with human rights and democratic principles all around the world.On Monday, the Biden administration said at least 50 US federal employees in 10 countries are either suspected or confirmed of having had their devices compromised by spyware. In one recent example, an unknown assailant used the Pegasus spyware to infect iPhones belonging to at least nine US State Department officials stationed in Uganda or whose work involved the East African country. The order follows questions about the US governments alleged use of commercial spyware. Last fall, The New York Times reported that the FBI had considered using Pegasus in criminal investigations. Between late 2020 and early 2021, agency officials were reportedly in the advanced stages of developing plans to brief FBI leadership on the software.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/biden-administration-bans-federal-agencies-from-using-commercial-spyware-182812610.html?src=rss


Category: Marketing and Advertising

 

Latest from this category

04.07Otriums AI models give unsold fashion a second chance
03.07Top 10 Favorite Creator-Led Brands [Infographic]
03.07AI Update, July 3, 2025: AI News and Views From the Past Week
03.07The Power of Emotional Advertising in B2B Brand-Building: Feelings vs. Function
03.07In Relooted, gamers plan the perfect heist to reclaim Africas stolen artifacts
02.07The State of Hybrid Work
02.07Thought Leadership for Lead Generation: A Smart Key for Unlocking Transformational Growth
01.07Eight Less Traditional Ways People Are Using AI at Work
Marketing and Advertising »

All news

04.07Sebi bars Jane Street from accessing its securities market: Reports
04.07RBI holds steady on gold purchases amid price forecast and geopolitical tensions
04.07India growth prospects robust, justify high valuation: BlackRock Research
04.07Realty rally may have peaked, go for stock-specific bets: Analysts
04.07JSW Group secures Rs 9,300-crore financing for Akzo Nobel acquisition
04.07Home Office unaware if foreign workers leave after visas end, MPs say
04.07Viral band finds itself at the centre of AI claims and hoaxes
04.07'I'm being paid to fix issues caused by AI'
More »
Privacy policy . Copyright . Contact form .