Topic: Backdoor

16 chapters across the catalog

Insurrectious
Episode 1277 2:47:54 - 2:53:39

1277: Insurrectious

Donor Thank Yous, Huawei Backdoors and Deep State T-Shirts

The hosts thank a long list of executive and associate executive producers for their financial support of episode 1277. Notable mentions include Matthew Stegman, who provided a technical paper on hard-coded backdoors in Huawei gear, and Nick Giori, who celebrated his "Deep State University" t-shirt. The segment reinforces the "Value for Value" model by acknowledging individual contributors from around the world.

VAT Camel
Episode 1160 1:36:45 - 1:39:38

1160: VAT Camel

Bill Barr, Warrant-Proof Encryption Debate

Attorney General Bill Barr has criticized "warrant-proof encryption," arguing it creates law-free zones for criminals. Barr is calling on the tech community to develop "lawful access" solutions that allow law enforcement to decrypt communications without compromising overall security.

3 Belts No Road
Episode 983 41:14 - 45:24

983: 3 Belts No Road

CBS News Blending Jared Kushner with Sex Scandals

The hosts criticize CBS News for a "story blending" technique where a report on Jared Kushner's "Russian backdoor overture" is placed immediately adjacent to sexual harassment stories. They argue this is a subliminal attempt to associate the Trump administration with "freaky perverts" through guilt by association. The segment includes a critique of the historical ties between the CIA and major networks like CBS under Bill Paley.

Quantum of Evidence
Episode 863 33:12 - 38:01

863: Quantum of Evidence

Email Encryption, GPG and Government Transparency

The hosts question why high-level government officials do not use standard GPG encryption for their communications. They speculate that the government avoids encryption to prevent the public from adopting tools that the FBI cannot easily bypass via backdoors.

Hot Rhetoric
Episode 784 1:35:38 - 1:40:05

784: Hot Rhetoric

Tim Cook, 60 Minutes Encryption Interview

Apple CEO Tim Cook appears on "60 Minutes" with Charlie Rose to discuss the company's stance on encryption. Cook argues against "backdoors" for law enforcement, stating that any vulnerability created for "good guys" would inevitably be exploited by "bad guys," and emphasizes the need to protect personal data on iPhones.

Bernie and the Breach
Episode 783 1:52:25 - 1:57:32

783: Bernie and the Breach

Juniper Networks Source Code Breach, VPN Security

Juniper Networks discovered unauthorized source code in its systems that allowed a backdoor for hackers to monitor encrypted government communications for three years. The FBI and DHS are investigating the breach. The hosts suggest the backdoor may have been an internal intelligence agency tool (NSA) that was discovered by another agency or a competitor like Cisco.

Dustbin of History
Episode 780 1:11:55 - 1:15:38

780: Dustbin of History

Mobile Phone Unlocking, Legal vs Technical Definitions

The terminology used by FBI Director James Comey regarding "unlocking" phones is scrutinized. The discussion highlights the confusion between "unlocking" a phone for use on different carriers (GSM/SIM) and "decrypting" the device's storage. Comey is accused of intentionally conflating these terms to push for government backdoors into consumer electronics.

Shemita Cycle
Episode 756 23:25 - 25:34

756: Shemita Cycle

Encryption Backdoors, James Comey and Silicon Valley

James Comey expressed frustration with tech companies that provide strong encryption, arguing that public safety and privacy are in tension. He suggested that if ISPs can decrypt data to serve ads, they should be able to comply with court orders for law enforcement. Tech experts maintain that creating a "key" for the government fundamentally compromises security for all users.

Tom Tatoe
Episode 715 21:48 - 25:35

715: Tom Tatoe

RSA Conference, Encryption Backdoors, and James Comey

The RSA Conference serves as a backdrop for a discussion on the corruption of the encryption industry through government-mandated backdoors. FBI Director James Comey is criticized for his past roles and his stance on law enforcement's need to access encrypted data. The segment posits that intelligence agencies are engaged in internal turf wars over the control of cyber surveillance.

The Key Key Thing
Episode 696 29:55 - 35:28

696: The Key Key Thing

Encryption Backdoors, National Conversation and Law Enforcement

The debate over "strong encryption" versus law enforcement access is examined, with the President suggesting a national conversation is necessary. The discussion posits that the government's desire for backdoors is a response to the inability to access data during criminal investigations, despite the potential compromise of overall security.

Pupil Progression Plan
Episode 663 13:07 - 14:35

663: Pupil Progression Plan

Person of Interest and Tech Backdoors

The hosts play a clip from the television show Person of Interest to illustrate the reality of state surveillance. The clip depicts characters discussing the use of NSA backdoors to access data from Google and Yahoo. This serves as a lead-in to a broader discussion about the extracurricular activities of intelligence officials.

Make Happy
Episode 574 1:28:26 - 1:30:04

574: Make Happy

Cryptome NSA GCHQ Hacks, Router Backdoors

Cryptome released a technical PDF detailing NSA and GCHQ hacking methods, specifically targeting British Telecom routers and mobile encryption keys. The hosts recommend the document for those interested in how backdoors are implemented in telecommunications equipment.

Bots & Girls!
Episode 566 29:57 - 31:38

566: Bots & Girls!

Encryption Backdoors and TrueCrypt Security

Speculation arises regarding potential government backdoors in popular encryption software like TrueCrypt and its predecessor DriveCrypt. Claims are made that the NSA discouraged certain Swiss-developed encryption schemes, leading to their disappearance from commercial products.

Bots & Girls!
Episode 566 31:39 - 34:02

566: Bots & Girls!

Linus Torvalds and NSA Backdoor Inquiries

During a European Parliament session, the father of Linus Torvalds suggested that his son had been approached by the NSA regarding backdoors in the Linux operating system. Torvalds reportedly responded "no" while nodding his head "yes," implying legal restrictions prevented a truthful verbal disclosure.

Kale Donuts
Episode 520 1:01:15 - 1:03:49

520: Kale Donuts

Silicon Valley, Steve Jobs and Microsoft Backdoors

The hosts discuss how Silicon Valley companies are reacting to the PRISM revelations. They contrast Microsoft's alleged willingness to provide backdoors with Steve Jobs' reported refusal to allow government access to Apple's iOS platform, suggesting Jobs' death changed the company's stance.