Have you ever received and accepted a Facebook friend request from the NSA? Well, it's possible you did and never knew it.
A new report by the man who publicly broke open the NSA spying scope, Glenn Greenwald, and co-writer Ryan Gallagher details how the NSA infected tens of thousands of computers, sometimes posing as a fake Facebook server. The Intercept reports "When a target attempts to log in to the social media site, the NSA transmits malicious data packets that trick the target’s computer into thinking they are being sent from the real Facebook. By concealing its malware within what looks like an ordinary Facebook page, the NSA is able to hack into the targeted computer and covertly siphon out data from its hard drive."
The site also posted this video, claiming it's from the NSA and it is top secret. The video supposedly shows how this malware technique works.
Citing documents provided by Edward Snowden, the site claims between 85,000 and 100,000 computers worldwide have already been infiltrated and the NSA plans to increase those numbers.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a Facebook representative said the company doesn't have any evidence the NSA was doing this and that the method shown in the video wouldn't work anymore since Facebook has updated and tightened its security. (Via The Wall Street Journal)
But, one thing's for sure, it definitely wouldn't be out of character for the NSA to do something like this. In September, reports indicated the NSA used Google to spy on its users. (Via CNET)
And not surprisingly, the backlash to the news has been pretty harsh. (Via Twitter)
A writer for Gizmodo says, "The really alarming thing is just how detailed and well thought out this whole malware infection project has been. Didn't it cross anyones mind that masquerading as a Facebook server might be a bad idea? There are no bad ideas at the NSA. Or so it seems."
It doesn't look like the NSA will be getting friend requests anytime soon. However, if you DO willingly want to give the NSA your information, just apply for a job with them. A link can be found conveniently on their Facebook page.
