4 ms·

OS-level backdoors can be easily patched. Unlike hardware based backdoors, curtesy of Intel AMT.

• ajross 10y ago
  And yet the leaked tools don't seem to have much in the way of hardware-based exploits, which might say something about the feasibility of this kind of thing on actual systems. Obviously it can be done, but it were as pervasive as the tinfoil hatters believe, surely it would have shown up here. No?
  • moduspwnens14 10y ago
    The document covers how they put a good amount of effort into ensuring there's not a clear link back to the CIA or relevant parties if one of these things is discovered. I imagine having hardware level vulnerabilities would much more quickly point directly to the only agencies capable of such techniques.
    • ajross 10y ago
      That's sort of my point though. If hardware back doors exist (and I don't argue that they can't!) they're exotic, highly protected and rarely used. They aren't routine instruments of state surveillance.
      • moduspwnens14 10y ago
        Yes--sorry. My comment was in support of your point.