Kaspersky users take note

[Tin Pot]

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/10/11/israel_russia_kaspersky/

If nothing else, this should remind people to think twice about what they are installing on their devices.

 

[mjr]

"In short, Kaspersky's code, installed on millions of computers around the planet, was being used as a global searchable spying tool by the Russian government, it is alleged."

I suspect most still won't think twice and the few that do will go ahead anyway, just like they've been installing US-made black box software for years.

 

[Tin Pot]

"In short, Kaspersky's code, installed on millions of computers around the planet, was being used as a global searchable spying tool by the Russian government, it is alleged."

I suspect most still won't think twice and the few that do will go ahead anyway, just like they've been installing US-made black box software for years.

The US have used Cisco units to spy on foreign powers previously so it's not the morality in question, it's the principle.

Also, in this case the fact that Israel was hacking in there when they uncovered it...well a faux pas to reveal that at best.

 

[Drago]

The algorithm that controls telephone exchange switching was invented by an American, and for decades the US used the knowledge as a backdoor to remotely tap in to telephone calls around the World.

The US have been spying on others since the dawn of time, and so have everyone else. The difference is that when the US meddles in the internal affairs of sovereign nations - sometimes by force - that's fine, but when Russia tinkers in American politics its the end of the world.

 

[classic33]

"In short, Kaspersky's code, installed on millions of computers around the planet, was being used as a global searchable spying tool by the Russian government, it is alleged."

I suspect most still won't think twice and the few that do will go ahead anyway, just like they've been installing US-made black box software for years.

A bit like using a smartphone that's capable of letting everyone who may want to know, where you are. And which routinely sends full copies of your contacts to undisclosed third parties.

I've never had a phone fall off. Dropped a few at other times. Not had to replace a screen yet. Buy good cases.

 

[mjr]

A bit like using a smartphone that's capable of letting everyone who may want to know, where you are. And which routinely sends full copies of your contacts to undisclosed third parties.

Except that I've got almost the full source code to my phone (one of the AOSP rebuilds with apps from F Droid) and I can't see a vector for the remaining bit (basically some of the radio drivers) to access the contacts service undetected.

There's acceptable risks and it's a long way short of BOGU.