Security
17 internet-connected things that really shouldn't be online
The latest leaked documents from the NSA reveal a long collection, from 2007-2008, of software and hardware used to spy on computers, networks and to capture audio and video.
TOTECHASER and TOTEGHOSTLY are software hacks aimed at Windows Mobile devices. Windows Mobile never had a lot of traction in consumer markets, but there were narrow markets where it did quite well, including ruggedized phones and, as is the case with TOTECHASER, satellite phones.
TOTECHASER is an implant for the Windows CE kernel inside Windows Mobile, specifically targeting the Thuraya SG-2520 dual-mode GSM/SAT handset (discontinued). Either this model was very popular or the NSA had someone specific in mind.
The TOTECHASER writeup makes it clear that it's not fully-baked (the documents are dated 10/1/2008). It sounds like it probably needs installed before the customer gets it and they haven't figured that part out.
TOTEGHOSTLY is a higher-level remote control framework for compromised (perhaps by TOTECHASER) Windows Mobile devices.
Caption by: Larry Seltzer
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