Ever since Edward Snowden leaked a treasure trove of classified documents that revealed just how vast the scope of electronic surveillance is many of us have come to know that they myth of online security is just what it is: a myth. A new cache of documents leaked by this NSA whistleblower reveal that British and Canadian intelligence agencies used a program called “BADASS” to spy on smartphones.
The Intercept reports that data collected through BADASS included smartphone users’ location, unique device identifiers, app choices and more by piggybacking on popular software provided by advertising and analytics companies.
BADASS, or BEGAL Automated Deployment And Survey System, and leaked documents suggest that it began some four years ago.
BADASS software filters were applied to intercepted internet traffic from which unencrypted uploads from smartphones to services of advertising and analytics companies were obtained.
Many apps have code embedded within them from such companies that allow the developer to keep track of how their users are using the apps. This information is then used to best plan app upgrades and target advertisements, but they can potentially be used for other purposes as well, as evident from this program.
The exploitation of these privacy holes by programs like BADASS remains a risk, but Snowden’s leaks have gone a long way in educating users about the potential threats they face in this connected world.
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