CIA responds to 'Vault 7' hack leak, WikiLeaks claims only 1% of what it holds was publish...
The CIA has issued a statement criticizing the massive WikiLeaks reveal of its iPhone, macOS, Android, and Windows hacking department, amidst international outcry about the leak -- and tens of thousands more documents are allegedly on the way.
In a statement provided to AppleInsider and other news venues, the CIA refuses to comment on the authenticity of the WikiLeaks data dump, or "the status of any investigation into the source of the documents."
However, despite not making a comment, the agency continues with three talking points.
The CIA notes that it's purview remains to be "the first line of defense in protecting this country from enemies abroad" and notes that "America deserves nothing less." Citing legal prohibitions, the agency also reiterates that it is prohibited from conducting electronic surveillance in the U.S.
"The American public should be deeply trouble by any WikiLeaks disclosure designed to damage the Intelligence Community's ability to protect America against terrorists and other adversaries," the CIA emphasizes in its third point. "Such disclosures not only jeopardize U.S. personnel and operations, but also equip our adversaries with tools and information to do us harm."
While the CIA won't comment on the status of the investigation, according to a report from ABC citing sources familiar with the matter, the FBI is examining the potential sources and the methods of the leaks.
AppleInsider can confirm based on discussions with people familiar with the matter that the Department of Homeland Security is getting involved in the investigation as well.
The German government is examining the first batch of data as well. In a statement, the German Foreign Ministry states that it is attempting to authenticate the documents.
"We will initiate an investigation if we see evidence of concrete criminal acts or specific perpetrators," said the German consulate's office. "We're looking at it very carefully."
Previously, documents were released by WikiLeaks showing that the NSA had intercepted communications by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
On Tuesday, 8,761 files were released by WikiLeaks alleging that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has a dedicated iOS, Windows, and Android exploit team, and failed to keep the attack vectors under lock and key. Later on Tuesday, Apple noted that "many" of the attacks had already been dealt with in the course of updating iOS.
A closer look at the Apple exploits showed a great deal of effort put into attacking Apple gear, but found what has been disclosed so far to be rudimentary, non-functional, or proof-of-concept only.
In a statement provided to AppleInsider and other news venues, the CIA refuses to comment on the authenticity of the WikiLeaks data dump, or "the status of any investigation into the source of the documents."
However, despite not making a comment, the agency continues with three talking points.
The CIA notes that it's purview remains to be "the first line of defense in protecting this country from enemies abroad" and notes that "America deserves nothing less." Citing legal prohibitions, the agency also reiterates that it is prohibited from conducting electronic surveillance in the U.S.
"The American public should be deeply trouble by any WikiLeaks disclosure designed to damage the Intelligence Community's ability to protect America against terrorists and other adversaries," the CIA emphasizes in its third point. "Such disclosures not only jeopardize U.S. personnel and operations, but also equip our adversaries with tools and information to do us harm."
While the CIA won't comment on the status of the investigation, according to a report from ABC citing sources familiar with the matter, the FBI is examining the potential sources and the methods of the leaks.
AppleInsider can confirm based on discussions with people familiar with the matter that the Department of Homeland Security is getting involved in the investigation as well.
International response
In China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry is urging the US to stop "stop listening in, monitoring, stealing secrets and internet hacking" against the country. China has a deep in-country internet monitoring system, as well as the so-called "Great Firewall of China."The German government is examining the first batch of data as well. In a statement, the German Foreign Ministry states that it is attempting to authenticate the documents.
"We will initiate an investigation if we see evidence of concrete criminal acts or specific perpetrators," said the German consulate's office. "We're looking at it very carefully."
Previously, documents were released by WikiLeaks showing that the NSA had intercepted communications by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
WikiLeaks promises more, still holding back actively weaponized exploits
WikiLeaks promises that the "Vault 7" release from Tuesday is only the beginning of the disclosures.A non-scientific poll conducted by WikiLeaks on Twitter shows 57 percent of its followers want the group to coordinate with technology companies, including Apple, to fix attack vectors faster. About 36 percent say that the tech companies are the problem, with 7 percent having a more nuanced view of the issue, roughly balanced between controlled disclosures to tech companies and calls from voters seeking WikiLeaks itself to be shut down.WikiLeaks has released less than 1% of its #Vault7 series in its part one publication yesterday 'Year Zero'.
-- WikiLeaks (@wikileaks)
On Tuesday, 8,761 files were released by WikiLeaks alleging that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency has a dedicated iOS, Windows, and Android exploit team, and failed to keep the attack vectors under lock and key. Later on Tuesday, Apple noted that "many" of the attacks had already been dealt with in the course of updating iOS.
A closer look at the Apple exploits showed a great deal of effort put into attacking Apple gear, but found what has been disclosed so far to be rudimentary, non-functional, or proof-of-concept only.
Comments
so? China can do what it likes in its own country. It's the fact that the USA feels it has a god given right to spy on and police the entire world. Even so called friendly countries; UK, Germany etc.
We managed to have two good threads yesterday, let's not blow that streak. If things get too out of hand we will close the thread.
Yet at the same time, I think there are legitimate concerns about the 3-letter agencies abusing their authority after 9-11.
These are difficult issues to balance, but it would be easier if 50% of the major parties weren't entirely corrupt. Fifty percent of the time, our government is corrupt every time.
It's wise to hear from all sources since it's not always obvious where the bias is.
I don't (and may never) know enough about this situation to ascertain the costs and benefits of the leak. I can only hope that we make the best of what has happened.
Nuthin's easy.
Sicario: https://youtu.be/Vi46v-Lru60
"CIA cant operate within US borders w/o a domestic agency attached" Those who know, does that limit apply to electronic surveillance as well?
And I mean, what are they going to say, "Yes we monitor US citizens, when necessary, through legal channels such as joint task forces by providing support to other agencies (FBI/NSA) when needed..." ? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Edit/disclaimer: I don't blindly believe everything I read online, so even the wikipedia material, Strange Things (of course) and anything else for that matter, is not to be taken as 100% fact.
However, we don't use it as a cudgel against each other which is what the forums devolve into sometimes. That's what we're talking about.
Put to death? Yesterday you wanted leakers *and their families* executed, and today you want agents executed. Again, are you serious? That would not be the United States...perhaps China or N. Korea or some other place with no regard for human life -- but not the United States.
I've deleted 5 or 6 comments already talking about Alex Jones. This is not a thread about Alex Jones. His name was only mentioned in a single comment as an example of an interview style. Let's leave it at that.
So if the CIA can be hacked and document stolen does this make anyone feel good they can do the following
"the first line of defense in protecting this country from enemies abroad" and notes that "America deserves nothing less." Citing legal prohibitions, the agency also reiterates that it is prohibited from conducting electronic surveillance in the U.S."
They may not be hacking and listening to Americans within our Boarder, but their lack of security just opened the door to the rest of the world. Why in the first place would they have this information which could be access from a network from out side the organization.