Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Band Pro seeking damages against ARRI and Michael Bravin, expects to get its data back]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/15/band-pro-seeking-damages-against-arri-and-michael-bravin-expect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/15/band-pro-seeking-damages-against-arri-and-michael-bravin-expect/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/15/band-pro-seeking-damages-against-arri-and-michael-bravin-expect/#comments Band Pro seeking damages against ARRI and Michael Bravin, expects to get its data backShould you ever get the itch to illegally peek at a former employer's servers, take a lesson from Michael Bravin: don't. The former ARRI executive's adventures in corporate espionage have landed him nothing but trouble. Although Bravin's previous plea agreement required him to pay back Band Pro for damages and legal fees, the outfit is now seeking punitive damages against both ARRI and Bravin himself. "Band Pro is informed and believes, and thereupon alleges that Glenn Kennel and Bill Russel, executives of ARRI, had firsthand knowledge of Bravin's hacking activities," asserts the recently filed complaint. In addition to damages, Band Pro is seeking orders requiring ARRI to return all information acquired from the said hacking and the destruction of "all business plans and strategies developed in reliance" of that information. Check out the PDF yourself for Band Pro's full list of demands and a detailed outline of its thirteen accusations against ARRI -- we'll let you know how things go down if the trial pans out.

Band Pro seeking damages against ARRI and Michael Bravin, expects to get its data back originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARRIband proBandProbusinesscaliforniacinemacorporatecourtcrimedramaemailemail hackEmailHackespionageexecexecutivefilmhackinghollywoodlawlawsuitSun, 15 Apr 2012 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[US Court: Code isn't property, therefore it can't be stolen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/code-cant-be-stolen/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/code-cant-be-stolen/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/code-cant-be-stolen/#comments ImageNew York's Second Circuit Court of Appeals has decided that computer code cannot be stolen after acquitting former Goldman Sachs programmer Sergey Aleynikov. He'd been charged with property theft and economic espionage which carried an eight year prison sentence, but left court a free man after serving just a year of his term. The case hinged upon the definition of both property and economic espionage, and the court found that code, being an intangible, couldn't be property that's capable of being stolen within the definition of the statute -- affirming a state of affairs that's been in place since the British case of Oxford v Moss from 1979. Just as a warning: the Judges advised Congress to amend the relevant legislation in order to prevent thefts of this nature in the future, so we'd hold back on any big data-heists you've got planned.

US Court: Code isn't property, therefore it can't be stolen originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BusinessComputer CopyrightComputerCopyrightCopyrightCorporate EspionageCorporateEspionageCrimeCriminalCriminal LawCriminalLawData LossData TheftDataLossDataTheftGoldman SachsGoldmanSachsIntangibleIntellectual PropertyIntellectualPropertyLawOxford v MossOxfordVMossProperty TheftPropertyTheftTheftUnited States v. AleynikovUnitedStatesV.AleynikovThu, 12 Apr 2012 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawaii's online tracking law is all but dead, lead sponsor confirms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/hawaiis-online-tracking-law-is-all-but-dead-lead-sponsor-confi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/hawaiis-online-tracking-law-is-all-but-dead-lead-sponsor-confi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/01/hawaiis-online-tracking-law-is-all-but-dead-lead-sponsor-confi/#commentsThe Hawaii state legislature has apparently pulled an about face on a proposed internet tracking bill, amid swelling concerns from civil libertarians and internet service providers alike. First introduced last week, the controversial measure calls for all ISPs to track and record a user's online activity and identity within individual digital dossiers. The law's supporters trumpeted it as a vital step in protecting "victims of crime," but its momentum has all but come to a halt, now that its lead champion has proclaimed its death. In a recent interview with CNET, Democratic Representative John Mizuno (pictured left) confirmed that his bill has been shelved, attributing the decision to the avalanche of critical feedback he's received (see the coverage links, below). "It's generated a lot of national attention," Mizuno explained. "I've taken into consideration the thousands of e-mails (which were often) colorful and passionate, which is absolutely fine... This bill just isn't ready. It needs a lot of work." Unfortunately, this doesn't mean spell an outright death for the law, as Mizuno still believes that keeping a record of browsing history could help authorities hunt down pedophiles and other evil doers. "I think both would be very strong pieces of evidence if there's going to be a criminal proceeding," he argued. Despite our own fundamental misgivings with Mizuno's approach, it's still encouraging to see politicians respond to public outcry so swiftly and, as with the SOPA debacle, appropriately.

Hawaii's online tracking law is all but dead, lead sponsor confirms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACLUbillcivil libertiesCivilLibertiescrimegovernmenthawaiihb 2288Hb2288john mizunoJohnMizunolawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementlegallegislationlegislaturemeasureoahuonline trackingOnlineTrackingpedophilepoliticsprivacywebWed, 01 Feb 2012 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[AR goggles take crime scene technology to CSI: Miami level]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/ar-goggles-take-crime-scene-technology-to-csi-miami-level/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/ar-goggles-take-crime-scene-technology-to-csi-miami-level/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/ar-goggles-take-crime-scene-technology-to-csi-miami-level/#comments AR goggles take crime scene technology to CSI: Miami levelDutch researchers are looking to catapult crime scene investigation into the 21st century through the use of augmented reality (AR). The prototype system, designed by the Delft University of Technology, employs a pair of AR goggles, two head-mounted cameras and a portable laptop rig to allow investigators to build virtual crime scenes by tagging evidence and placing objects they are viewing. After mapping an area, additional law enforcement personnel can review the investigator's work and request additional information -- asking the CSI to define or place additional objects. Researchers hope that the 3D renders will be used as court-admissible evidence in the near future; the technology is set to be tried on a real Dutch crime scene later this year. We can see it now: Lieutenant Horatio Caine whips off his shades and tosses on a pair of (equally stylish) crime-fighting goggles... YEAAAAAAAAH!

AR goggles take crime scene technology to CSI: Miami level originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DARAugmentedAugmented RealityAugmentedRealitycrimecrime sceneCrimeSceneCSIDelft University of TechnologyDelftUniversityOfTechnologydisplaydisplaysimaginglaw enforcementLawEnforcementmodelNetherlandspoliceRealityscenevideowearablesTue, 31 Jan 2012 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[North Korea makes using a cellphone a war crime during 100 day mourning period]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/north-korea-makes-using-a-cellphone-a-war-crime-during-100-day-m/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/north-korea-makes-using-a-cellphone-a-war-crime-during-100-day-m/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/north-korea-makes-using-a-cellphone-a-war-crime-during-100-day-m/#comments North KoreaDear Leader may have blessed his subjects with the gift of 3G in 2008, but in his death he is taking it back... at least temporarily. As part of the country's 100 days of mourning, cellphones have been banned within its borders. If you're caught pulling out a portable to make a call, send a text or get directions to the nearest statue of the departed dictator you'll be charged as a war criminal -- that means serious time in a labor camp or death. Fun! Then again, in a nation where the average income is about $1 a month and cellphone ownership is a highly restricted privilege, we can't imagine too many people have anything to worry about. Sadly, this also means there's one less way to get information out of the already hard to crack territory.

North Korea makes using a cellphone a war crime during 100 day mourning period originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bancrimedemocratic peoples republic of koreaDemocraticPeoplesRepublicOfKoreaDPRKkim jong ilkim jong unKim Jong-Ilkim jong-unKimJong-ilKimJong-unKimJongIlKimJongUnkoreamourningnorth koreaNorthKoreaFri, 27 Jan 2012 05:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Google pulls Android Market malware that exploits SMS hole]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/google-pulls-android-market-malware-that-exploits-sms-hole/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/google-pulls-android-market-malware-that-exploits-sms-hole/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/14/google-pulls-android-market-malware-that-exploits-sms-hole/#comments
Google's reportedly pulled 22 malicious apps after two security firms tipped them off that the malware was tricking users into sending SMS messages to premium-rate phone lines. Android.RuFraud poses as popular games like Angry Birds, Assassins Creed or Tetris and can affect users across Europe and Russia. Fortunately the apps are easily spotted and deleted, but were downloaded 14,000 times before being pulled -- so if you see anyone experiencing similar issues, you can let 'em know how to solve it.

Google pulls Android Market malware that exploits SMS hole originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid MalwareAndroid MarketAndroidMalwareAndroidMarketAssassin's CreedCrimeEuropeFraudGoogleGoogle IncMalwaremobilepostcrossRussiaSci/TechSecuritySMSTetrisWed, 14 Dec 2011 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch officials contemplate barring KPN, T-Mobile and Vodafone from spectrum auction]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/dutch-officials-contemplate-barring-kpn-t-mobile-and-vodafone-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/dutch-officials-contemplate-barring-kpn-t-mobile-and-vodafone-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/09/dutch-officials-contemplate-barring-kpn-t-mobile-and-vodafone-f/#comments A spectrum auction looms on the horizon in the Netherlands, but three of the country's largest players may be excluded from participation. As you know, earlier this week, Dutch authorities raided the offices of KPN Mobile, T-Mobile Netherlands and Vodafone Netherlands in a price-fixing investigation. The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa), which carried out the raid, stressed that its visit does not mean the operators are guilty of collusion or hint at the outcome of its investigation.

Now, Dutch lawmakers and the country's Minister of Economic Affairs must come to a decision about the auction that's set to take place in the spring of 2012 -- which is likely to be well in advance of any final report from the NMa. One option tossed around has been to postpone the auction, though, as lawmakers point out, this could hinder the development in the mobile space and further limit competition. Alternately, had any of the named companies actually profited from the alleged collusion, there's a risk that these monies could be used to purchase additional spectrum and further extend their dominance. Those discussing the matter hope to move quickly, though it certainly seems difficult to make any decision of this magnitude lightly.

Dutch officials contemplate barring KPN, T-Mobile and Vodafone from spectrum auction originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncartelcollaborationcorruptioncrimedutchhollandillegalinvestigationkpnmobilepostcrossmobilepostmininetherlandsNetherlands Competition AuthorityNetherlandsCompetitionAuthoritynmaprice fixingPriceFixingraidraidsspectrumspectrum auctionSpectrumAuctiont mobilet-mot-mobileTMobilevodafoneFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:47:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile, Vodafone and KPN raided in Dutch price-fixing probe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/t-mobile-vodafone-and-kpn-raided-in-dutch-price-fixing-probe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/t-mobile-vodafone-and-kpn-raided-in-dutch-price-fixing-probe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/06/t-mobile-vodafone-and-kpn-raided-in-dutch-price-fixing-probe/#comments Vodafone, KPN and T-Mobile Details are pretty slim at the moment, but it appears that Vodafone, KPN and T-Mobile are among the companies that have been raided by Dutch regulators in a price-fixing investigation. The country's competition authorities, NMa, swept through the carriers' offices as part of a probe into alleged "cartel agreements" exposed by whistleblowers. All three of the companies have agreed to cooperate with the investigation and have denied wrong doing but, they're starting with a dark cloud of suspicion hanging over their heads already. It was only ten years ago that the same three mobile operators were fined for illegally coordinating on pricing and fees. Obviously, it's wrong to jump to conclusions, but what are the chances these huge corporations just haven't learned from their past mistakes?

T-Mobile, Vodafone and KPN raided in Dutch price-fixing probe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartelcollaborationcorruptioncrimedutchillegalinvestigationkpnmobilepostcrossnetherlandsNetherlands Competition AuthorityNetherlandsCompetitionAuthoritynmaprice fixingPriceFixingraidraidst mobilet-mot-mobileTMobilevodafoneTue, 06 Dec 2011 10:23:00 EST<![CDATA[DoJ: Stingray cellphone tracking device falls under Fourth Amendment, but don't ask about it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/doj-stingray-cellphone-tracking-device-falls-under-fourth-amend/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/doj-stingray-cellphone-tracking-device-falls-under-fourth-amend/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/doj-stingray-cellphone-tracking-device-falls-under-fourth-amend/#comments
In 2008, federal authorities arrested David Daniel Rigmaiden on charges of spearheading a massive identity theft ring in Arizona. Rigmaiden allegedly led this operation from January 2005 to April 2008, harvesting some $4 million off of more than 1,900 fraudulent tax returns. He was ultimately nabbed, however, thanks in part to controversial, and somewhat mysterious tool known as a "stingray" -- a device that effectively acts as a fake cell tower, allowing authorities to locate and track a cellphone even when it's not being used to place a call. Since his arrest, the 30-year-old Rigmaiden has been battling the feds in the U.S. District Court of Arizona, on allegations that their tracking tactics constituted an unlawful search and seizure, thereby violating his Fourth Amendment rights. For more than a year, the Department of Justice has maintained that the use of stingrays does not violate the Fourth Amendment. When it comes to sending data from a mobile device, the DoJ has argued, users should not have a "reasonable expectation" of privacy. Recently, though, the judge overseeing the case has indicated that he will press the feds for more information on how stingrays actually work -- something the government clearly has no desire to disclose. Prosecutors are so reluctant, in fact, that they may be willing to sacrifice their case against Rigmaiden in order to safeguard the stingray's secrecy. Read more about the latest developments, after the break.

Continue reading DoJ: Stingray cellphone tracking device falls under Fourth Amendment, but don't ask about it

DoJ: Stingray cellphone tracking device falls under Fourth Amendment, but don't ask about it originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacell towerCellTowerconstitutioncourtcrimedavid rigmaidenDavidRigmaidendepartment of justiceDepartmentOfJusticedojFBIfederalfourth amendmentFourthAmendmentgovernmentidentity theftIdentityTheftlawlegallocationmemorandumsearchsearch and seizureSearchAndSeizurestingraytrackingVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelesswarrantSun, 06 Nov 2011 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[The saga of the leaked iPhone 4 prototype comes to an anticlimactic end]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/the-saga-of-the-leaked-iphone-4-prototype-comes-to-an-anticlimac/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/the-saga-of-the-leaked-iphone-4-prototype-comes-to-an-anticlimac/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/the-saga-of-the-leaked-iphone-4-prototype-comes-to-an-anticlimac/#comments iPhone 4 Prototype It's been a long, weird and winding road, but it appears that the saga surrounding the leaked iPhone 4 prototype that got Gizmodo editor Jason Chen's home raided is finally over. The two men accused of selling the device to Chen, Brian Hogan and Sage Wallower, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of theft of lost property. The two were sentenced to a year probation, 40 hours of public service and told to pay $250 in damages to Apple. The rest of the $5,000 they received for the prototype is theirs to keep. Through it all Chen and Gizmodo have escaped prosecution and, with the two who found and sold the device receiving barely a slap on the wrist, it looks like its time to close the book on this tale. Perhaps crime doesn't pay, but it doesn't appear to cost a whole heck of a lot either.

The saga of the leaked iPhone 4 prototype comes to an anticlimactic end originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>courtcrimegizmodoiphone 4Iphone4jason chenJasonChenlawmobilepostcrossWed, 12 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[US Department of Homeland Security developing system to predict criminal intent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/08/us-department-of-homeland-security-developing-system-to-predict/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/08/us-department-of-homeland-security-developing-system-to-predict/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/08/us-department-of-homeland-security-developing-system-to-predict/#comments We're not exactly lacking in opportunities for Minority Report references these days, but sometimes they're just unavoidable. According to a new report from CNET based on documents obtained by the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the US Department of Homeland security is now working on a system dubbed FAST (or Future Attribute Screening Technology) that's designed to identify individuals who are most likely to commit a crime. That's not done with something as simple as facial recognition and background checks, however, but rather algorithms and an array of sensors and cameras that can detect both physiological and behavioral cues that are said to be "indicative of mal-intent." What's more, while the DHS says that it has no plans to actually deploy the system in public just yet, it has apparently already conducted a limited trial using DHS employees -- though no word on the results of how well it actually works, of course. Hit the source link below for the complete (albeit somewhat redacted) documents.

US Department of Homeland Security developing system to predict criminal intent originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 02:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimedepartment of homeland securityDepartmentOfHomelandSecurityDHSFASThomeland securityHomelandSecurityminority reportMinorityReportpre-crimescreeningSat, 08 Oct 2011 02:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Former ARRI exec pleads guilty to hacking into rival CEO's e-mail account, faces jail time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/former-arri-exec-pleads-guilty-to-hacking-into-rival-ceos-e-mai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/former-arri-exec-pleads-guilty-to-hacking-into-rival-ceos-e-mai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/23/former-arri-exec-pleads-guilty-to-hacking-into-rival-ceos-e-mai/#comments
There's some Oscar-worthy drama brewing in California, where ARRI executive Michael Bravin has pleaded guilty to hacking into a high-level e-mail account at rival camera maker Band Pro Film and Digital. In a plea agreement filed yesterday with a US District Court, Bravin admitted to intentionally accessing a corporate e-mail account belonging to Amnon Band -- Band Pro's President and CEO. More details after the break, including a potential connection to RED's Jim Jannard.

Continue reading Former ARRI exec pleads guilty to hacking into rival CEO's e-mail account, faces jail time

Former ARRI exec pleads guilty to hacking into rival CEO's e-mail account, faces jail time originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementamnon bandAmnonBandARRIband proBandProbusinesscaliforniaCEOcinemacorporatecourtcrimedramaemailemail hackEmailHackespionageexecexecutivefilmguiltyhackinghollywoodjim jannardJimJannardlawlawsuitmichael bravinMichaelBravinmoneymotion pictureMotionPicturepasswordplea agreementPleaAgreementprisonred cameraRedCamerarestitutionsentenceUS district courtUsDistrictCourtFri, 23 Sep 2011 08:26:00 EST<![CDATA[StayLocked prototype renders your stolen bike unusable, won't buy you another]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/staylocked-prototype-renders-your-stolen-bike-unusable-wont-bu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/staylocked-prototype-renders-your-stolen-bike-unusable-wont-bu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/staylocked-prototype-renders-your-stolen-bike-unusable-wont-bu/#comments
If you can't ride your stolen bike, neither should anyone else. That's the basic premise behind StayLocked Bicycle -- a prototype that effectively self-destructs whenever someone tries to snatch it. The magic lies in the bike's integrated locking mechanism, which is built in to a pair of tubes extending from the back wheel to the seat. Riders can attach the swiveling lock to any fixed post, but if someone successfully breaks it, the bike's chain stays will no longer support his or her weight, rendering the prototype virtually useless, and the thief utterly embarrassed. Of course, this system won't deter criminals from stealing a cycle for its parts, and it's certainly not as ideal a solution as, say, actually getting your bike back. But at least you'd feel better knowing that whoever swiped your ride probably looked ridiculous while doing so.

StayLocked prototype renders your stolen bike unusable, won't buy you another originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebikebike lockBikeLockchain stayChainStaycrimecriminalcyclecyclinglockprototypeseat staySeatStaysecuritystaylockedstaylocked bicycleStaylockedBicycletheftthiefTue, 13 Sep 2011 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[UK teen arrested for illegal BBM, social media crackdown gains steam]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/13/uk-teen-arrested-for-illegal-bbm-social-media-crackdown-gains-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/13/uk-teen-arrested-for-illegal-bbm-social-media-crackdown-gains-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/13/uk-teen-arrested-for-illegal-bbm-social-media-crackdown-gains-s/#comments Lending further gravity to the proposed crackdown being bandied about in British parliament, an Essex teen has been arrested for sending a BBM that ran afoul of the Serious Crime Act of 2007. The 18-year old, now free on bail, allegedly used the service to encourage copycat attacks of the violent rioting that's swept London, and is set to appear in court on September 1st. It's the second known case to put RIM's private messaging service -- "popular among urban teenagers" as a cheap texting alternative -- in the UK's legal hotseat. For its part, the Canadian electronics maker has since reached out to police, promising to aid the investigation "in any way [it] can." Although no decision has yet been made to extend law enforcement's powers over social media services, such as Twitter and Facebook, arrests like these seem to indicate a murky free speech future.

UK teen arrested for illegal BBM, social media crackdown gains steam originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestarrestsBBMblackberryBlackBerry MessengerBlackberryMessengercensorshipcrimedavid cameronDavidCameronenglandFacebookfree speechfreedom of speechFreedomOfSpeechFreeSpeechlondonlondon riotsLondonRiotsparliamentpolicepoliticsResearch In MotionResearchInMotionRIMriotsurveillancetwitterukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvideoviolenceSat, 13 Aug 2011 01:41:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Prime Minister exploring social media crackdown in wake of London riots (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/uk-prime-minister-exploring-social-media-crackdown-in-wake-of-lo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/uk-prime-minister-exploring-social-media-crackdown-in-wake-of-lo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/uk-prime-minister-exploring-social-media-crackdown-in-wake-of-lo/#comments
As Londoners continue to pick up the rubble and carnage from this week's riots, UK Prime Minister David Cameron is exploring new ways to maintain order -- including, apparently, a government crackdown on social media. In a speech to members of Parliament today, Cameron made clear his belief that law enforcement officials should be able to curb and monitor the use of social networking sites under certain circumstances, lending credence to the theory that mechanisms like Facebook, Twitter and BlackBerry played a critical role in inciting the recent violence:
"Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill. And when people are using social media for violence we need to stop them. So we are working with the Police, the intelligence services and industry to look at whether it would be right to stop people communicating via these websites and services when we know they are plotting violence, disorder and criminality."
There's a fine line separating issues of national security from the rights to free speech, but it's a line that Cameron seems willing to toe. And, though he and his Conservative government are only mulling the idea, it's difficult to ignore the irony in his statements. Keep in mind that this is the same man who roundly condemned Hosni Mubarak for shutting down Egypt's internet at the height of its revolution, calling for the now-ousted leader to fully respect the "freedom of expression and communication, including use of telephones and the internet." Cameron, of course, isn't calling for anything nearly as drastic as what Mubarak orchestrated, nor is he facing anywhere near the same level of domestic turmoil. But the fundamental narrative remains the same: in the face of social upheaval, a national leader instinctively reaches for a digital muzzle as a stop-gap measure, while (perhaps) ignoring the larger, longer-term ramifications of his actions. Fortunately for the UK, though, Cameron is already doing one thing that Mubarak apparently never did -- he's thinking about right and wrong. Head past the break to see Cameron's speech, in its entirety.

Continue reading UK Prime Minister exploring social media crackdown in wake of London riots (video)

UK Prime Minister exploring social media crackdown in wake of London riots (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberrycensorshipcrimedavid cameronDavidCameronegyptenglandfacebookfree speechfreedom of speechFreedomOfSpeechFreeSpeechhosni mubarakHosniMubaraklondonlondon riotsLondonRiotsparliamentpolicepoliticsResearch In MotionResearchInMotionRIMriotsurveillancetwitterukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomvideoviolenceThu, 11 Aug 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers use children's toy to exploit security hole in feds' radios, eavesdrop on conversations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/researchers-use-childrens-toy-to-exploit-security-hole-in-feds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/researchers-use-childrens-toy-to-exploit-security-hole-in-feds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/researchers-use-childrens-toy-to-exploit-security-hole-in-feds/#comments
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a potentially major security flaw in the radios used by federal agents, as part of a new study that's sure to raise some eyebrows within the intelligence community. Computer science professor Matt Blaze and his team uncovered the vulnerability after examining a set of handheld and in-car radios used by law enforcement officials in two, undisclosed metropolitan areas. The devices, which operate on a wireless standard known as Project 25 (P25), suffer from a relatively simple design flaw, with indicators and switches that don't always make it clear whether transmissions are encrypted. And, because these missives are sent in segments, a hacker could jam an entire message by blocking just one of its pieces, without expending too much power. What's really shocking, however, is that the researchers were able to jam messages and track the location of agents using only a $30 IM Me texting device, designed for kids (pictured above). After listening in on sensitive conversations from officials at the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, Barnes and his team have called for a "substantial top-to-bottom redesign" of the P25 system and have notified the agencies in question. The FBI has yet to comment on the study, but you can read the whole thing for yourself, at the link below.

Researchers use children's toy to exploit security hole in feds' radios, eavesdrop on conversations originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeDepartment of Homeland Securitydepartment of justiceDepartmentOfHomelandSecurityDepartmentOfJusticedesigneavesdroppingencryptedfedfederal agentFederalAgentIM MeImMejamminglaw enforcementLawEnforcementmatt blazeMattBlazep25policeproject 25Project25radioresearchsecuritysecurity flawSecurityFlawstudytoyunencrypteduniversity of pennsylvaniaUniversityOfPennsylvaniavulnerabilityThu, 11 Aug 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[NYPD creates social networking unit to pick perps, not poke them]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/nypd-creates-social-networking-unit-to-pick-perps-not-poke-them/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/nypd-creates-social-networking-unit-to-pick-perps-not-poke-them/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/nypd-creates-social-networking-unit-to-pick-perps-not-poke-them/#comments You've heard of the Special Victims Unit, but what about the Social Networking Unit? The time has come for criminals dumb enough to boast about their exploits on Facebook and Twitter to pay the proverbial piper. According to NY Daily News, the Big Apple's newly minted Assistant Commissioner, Kevin O'Connor, will enlist the department's juvenile justice unit to hunt down ne'er-do-wells on various social networking sites. So remember, even if your friends don't care about the Cookie Puss you just posted to your Facebook page, somewhere out there someone is watching.

NYPD creates social networking unit to pick perps, not poke them originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestbig brotherBigBrothercopscrimecriminalsfacebookkevin oconnorKevinOconnormyspaceNew YorkNewYorkNYPDpolicesocial media unitsocial networkingsocial networking unitSocialMediaUnitSocialNetworkingSocialNetworkingUnittwitterThu, 11 Aug 2011 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Portable device can sniff out anthrax in an hour, won't bring the noise]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/portable-device-can-sniff-out-anthrax-in-an-hour-wont-bring-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/portable-device-can-sniff-out-anthrax-in-an-hour-wont-bring-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/portable-device-can-sniff-out-anthrax-in-an-hour-wont-bring-th/#commentsGot some mysterious white powder sitting on your coffee table? A new, suitcase-sized device can tell you whether you've got dandruff, or anthrax. Developed by researchers at Cornell and the University of Albany, the detector uses a microfluidic chip (pictured on the left) to collect and purify the DNA on a given sample, before conducting a series of polymerase chain reactions -- processes that can quickly identify biological materials. The machine, which has been in the works for seven years, is powerful enough to deliver test results in just one hour (requiring a sample of only 40 microscopic spores), but is slim enough to fit in an airline's overhead luggage bin. Scientists say their creation could also be catered to pick up on other pathogens, including salmonella, and may even pay dividends for crime scene investigators handling forensic evidence. No word yet on when the device could hit the market, but we won't touch an ounce of sugar until it does.

Portable device can sniff out anthrax in an hour, won't bring the noise originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthraxanthrax attacksanthrax detectorAnthraxAttacksAnthraxDetectorcornellcornell universityCornellUniversitycrimedetectordnaforensicsmicrofluidicmicrofluidic chipMicrofluidicChippathogenpolicepolymerase chain reactionsPolymeraseChainReactionsresearchsafetysalmonellasecuritysuitcaseterrorismuniversity of albanyUniversityOfAlbanyTue, 02 Aug 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[WiFi hacker lands 18-year prison sentence, sex offender status for campaign of cyber vengeance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/wifi-hacker-lands-18-year-prison-sentence-sex-offender-status-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/wifi-hacker-lands-18-year-prison-sentence-sex-offender-status-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/wifi-hacker-lands-18-year-prison-sentence-sex-offender-status-f/#comments Gavel Look, we understand that being accused of pedophilia is horrible but, if you're not keen on spending time in the pokey, it's probably not best to exact your revenge by hacking and framing your accusers for making terrorist threats or downloading child pornography. That was the unfortunate route chosen by Minnesotan Barry Ardolf, whose neighbors Matt and Bethany Kostolnik went to the police after he allegedly kissed their four-year-old son on the lips. Ardolf broke into the couple's Wi-Fi and e-mail accounts, and used them to post porn on MySpace, send threats to Joe Biden, and explicit come-ons to Matt's coworkers. Now the 46-year-old cyberbully is facing 18 years in prison, a tough sentence for a first time offender sure, but an investigation revealed the Kostolniks were not his first victims. In addition to his lengthy stay in jail Ardolf will also have to register as a sex offender -- an irony we're sure isn't lost on him.

[Thanks, Alan]
[Image courtesy Jason Morrison]

WiFi hacker lands 18-year prison sentence, sex offender status for campaign of cyber vengeance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimecyber bullyingCyberBullyinghackhackerhackingjaillawrevengewifiFri, 15 Jul 2011 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's online Pass hacked, 1.3 million user passwords stolen]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/segas-online-pass-hacked-1-3-million-user-passwords-stolen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/segas-online-pass-hacked-1-3-million-user-passwords-stolen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/20/segas-online-pass-hacked-1-3-million-user-passwords-stolen/#comments Let's bid a bitter welcome to Sega, the latest entrant to the newly founded club of hacked online communities. Sega Pass, the company's web portal, suffered a breach of its defenses on Thursday, which has now been identified to have affected a whopping 1.29 million users. Usernames, real names, birth dates, passwords, email addresses, pretty much everything has been snatched up by the malicious data thieves, with the important exception of credit / debit card numbers. We'd still advise anyone affected to keep a watchful eye on his or her banking transactions -- immediately after changing that compromised password, of course. In the meantime, Sega's keeping the Pass service offline while it rectifies the vulnerability; it'll be able to call on an unexpected ally in its search for the perpetrators in the form of LulzSec, a hacker group that boasted proudly about infiltrating Sony's network, but which has much more benevolent intentions with respect to Sega. What a topsy-turvy world we live in!

Sega's online Pass hacked, 1.3 million user passwords stolen originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachcrimecriminaldatadatabasehackhackedhackinginternetonlinepasswordpasswordsprivacyprivatesecuritysegasega passSegaPasswebMon, 20 Jun 2011 05:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Don't bring your computer viruses to Japan, because they're illegal now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/dont-bring-your-computer-viruses-to-japan-because-theyre-ille/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/dont-bring-your-computer-viruses-to-japan-because-theyre-ille/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/dont-bring-your-computer-viruses-to-japan-because-theyre-ille/#comments Tired of getting swamped with spam and malware? Just pack your things and catch the next flight to Japan, where computer viruses are now considered illegal. Under the country's new legislation, anyone convicted of creating or distributing viruses could face up to three years in prison, or a maximum fine of ¥500,000 (about $6,200). It's all part of Japan's efforts to comply with the Convention on Cybercrime -- an international treaty that requires member governments to criminalize hacking, child pornography, and other terrible things. Privacy advocates, however, have already raised concerns over some stipulations that would allow investigators to seize data from PCs hooked up to allegedly criminal networks, and to retain any suspicious e-mail logs for up to 60 days. In an attempt to quell these fears, the Judicial Affairs Committee tacked a resolution on to the bill calling for police to exercise these powers only when they really, really need to.

Don't bring your computer viruses to Japan, because they're illegal now originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computer virusComputerVirusconvention on cybercrimeConventionOnCybercrimecourtcrimecybercrimehackillegaljapanjapaneselawmalwareparliamentpolicepoliticsprivacysecurityspamtreatyvirusFri, 17 Jun 2011 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Three suspected members of Anonymous arrested in Spain]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/three-suspected-members-of-anonymous-arrested-in-spain/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/three-suspected-members-of-anonymous-arrested-in-spain/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/three-suspected-members-of-anonymous-arrested-in-spain/#commentsAnonymous behind barsThe long arm of the law may have finally caught up with some of the hackers behind the recent (and seemingly endless) PSN outage. Authorities in Spain say they have arrested three members of the hacktivist collective Anonymous and seized at least one computer used in the attacks on Sony. Those arrested are believed to have been important in coordinating the group's activities in the country and to have distributed the Loic DDoS tool to others. Now, of course, the Spanish government will have to be on high alert -- if we know one thing about Anonymous, it's that it is not trigger shy when it comes to exacting revenge.

Three suspected members of Anonymous arrested in Spain originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousarrestarrestscrimeDDoShackhackershacktivistslawLoicplaystation networkPlaystationNetworkpsnsecuritysonyspainFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia Play shipment to New Zealand stolen, Vodafone launch delayed (update: fake)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/xperia-play-shipment-to-new-zealand-stolen-vodafone-launch-dela/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/xperia-play-shipment-to-new-zealand-stolen-vodafone-launch-dela/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/xperia-play-shipment-to-new-zealand-stolen-vodafone-launch-dela/#comments As if Sony Ericsson hasn't already had enough headaches with the Xperia Play. here comes Vodafone New Zealand with the announcement that its launch shipment of the gamer-friendly smartphone has been... stolen! We don't know how many Xperia Plays were in those crates, but it must take a pretty sophisticated operation to snatch up all of Voda's supply for an entire country. This slight hitch in transportation blatant lie follows an unexplained delay in shipments reaching the UK last month, and will compound shortages already caused by limited production capacity in Japan. Man, imagine how terrible this news might have been if the Play actually had any games worth playing.

Update: It's all fake. Vodafone recently released some "security footage" of the "theft" in action, which only served to immediately incite outrage in viewers of the clip, and a Vodafone New Zealand spokesperson admitted to The Australian that the company made up the whole thing. For shame.

Xperia Play shipment to New Zealand stolen, Vodafone launch delayed (update: fake) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 22:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachcrimecriminalgamepadnew zealandNewZealandplaysecurityshipmentshipmentsslidersmartphonesmartphonessony ericssonSonyEricssonstolentheftvodafonexperiaxperia playXperiaPlayTue, 17 May 2011 22:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Stolen Camera Finder promises to find your camera with EXIF data, probably won't]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/stolen-camera-finder-promises-to-find-your-camera-with-exif-data/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/stolen-camera-finder-promises-to-find-your-camera-with-exif-data/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/03/stolen-camera-finder-promises-to-find-your-camera-with-exif-data/#comments Stolen Camera Finder is a site that promises to find missing cameras, as long as they've been stolen by cooperative criminals. All you have to do is drag and drop a JPG photo taken with your lost camera, and Stolen Camera Finder will hunt for any matches on the web, using the image's EXIF data. To find matches, the site consults a database of photos posted on Flickr and elsewhere, though, without only one million images to its name, this database is still very much a work-in-progress (the tests we conducted came up dry). It's a nifty idea, but one that would probably pay dividends only under certain circumstances. For instance, the thief would have to take pictures with the camera (rather than selling it) and post the images online without wiping the EXIF data. In other words, he'd have to be someone willing to steal a camera purely for the sake of sharing undoctored self-shots on Flickr. We're not sure those people exist.

Stolen Camera Finder promises to find your camera with EXIF data, probably won't originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 May 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimedatadatabaseEXIFflickrimagesJPGphotosphotoshopsitestolenstolen camerastolen camera finderStolenCameraStolenCameraFinderthiefwebsiteTue, 03 May 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[That hotel towel you're stealing might have an RFID chip in it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/that-hotel-towel-youre-stealing-might-have-an-rfid-chip-in-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/that-hotel-towel-youre-stealing-might-have-an-rfid-chip-in-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/that-hotel-towel-youre-stealing-might-have-an-rfid-chip-in-it/#comments
 For many travelers, stealing hotel towels or bathrobes is more pastime than petty crime. Hotels, on the other hand, apparently take it more seriously. So seriously, in fact, that some have begun embedding specially crafted RFID tags within their linens, just to help us avoid "accidentally" stuffing them in our suitcases before heading to the check-out desk. The chips, designed by Miami-based Linen Technology Tracking, can be sewn directly into towels, bathrobes or bed sheets, and can reportedly withstand up to 300 wash cycles. If a tagged item ever leaves a hotel's premises, the RFID chip will trip an alarm that will instantly alert the staff, and comprehensively humiliate the guilty party. The system has already paid dividends for one Honolulu hotel, which claims to have saved about $15,000 worth of linens since adopting the system last summer. But small-time crooks needn't get too paranoid. In addition to the hotel in Hawaii, only two other establishments have begun tagging their towels -- one in Manhattan, and one in Miami. All three, however, have chosen to remain anonymous, so swipe at your own (minimal) risk.

That hotel towel you're stealing might have an RFID chip in it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarmanti theftanti-theftAntiTheftbedchipchipscrimeguestshonoluluhotellinenlinen technologylinen technology trackingLinensLinenTechnologyLinenTechnologyTrackingmiamimoneynew yorkNewYorkrfidrobessecuritytagtheftthieftourismtoweltravelWed, 20 Apr 2011 07:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Hacker nets two years in jail after pilfering £7 million in virtual poker chips]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/hacker-nets-two-years-in-jail-after-pilfering-7-million-in-virt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/hacker-nets-two-years-in-jail-after-pilfering-7-million-in-virt/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/hacker-nets-two-years-in-jail-after-pilfering-7-million-in-virt/#comments Crime, it just doesn't pay. Well, actually it does, to the tune of £53,612, but then you get caught and you have to work off that salary with two years at Her Majesty's pleasure. One Ashley Mitchell, an enterprising 29-year old from Devon, England, managed to break into Farmville maker Zynga's mainframe, hijack the identities of two of its staffers, and procure for himself a cool £7 million ($11.4m) in virtual poker chips. He then proceeded to sell about a third of them for the above sum, while consuming a big chunk of the rest in satisfying his own gambling habit. Ashley already had a history of digital malfeasance, having previously hacked into the systems of Torbay Council, his former employer, and is now on the receiving end of a two-year prison term for his current crime plus the activation of a 30-week suspended sentence. There's a warning in this tale of woe for us all, however -- Monsieur Mitchell piggybacked on his neighbors' unsecured WiFi networks in order to do his dastardly deeds. Slap a password on that router, won't you?

Hacker nets two years in jail after pilfering £7 million in virtual poker chips originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cashcrimecriminalgamblinggaminghackhackerhackinginternetjaillawlegalmainframemoneyonlineonline pokerOnlinePokerpokerprisonsafetyscamsecuritysentencesentencedstealingtheftthiefukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomwebzyngaWed, 23 Mar 2011 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: KIRFer's paradise]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/visualized-kirfers-paradise/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/visualized-kirfers-paradise/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/visualized-kirfers-paradise/#commentsVisualized: KIRFers paradise LA lovers of things that Keep it Real Fake, finding your next knockoff might be a little harder than anticipated. The Los Angeles police just busted a warehouse full of knock-offs, things like GiPhones, iPhoncs, PNPs, and Poops. Among all this junk, some $10 million worth, two dudes were found and arrested -- two dudes who had records showing more than $7 million in profits. It seems KIRFing does pay, for a little while at least.

Visualized: KIRFer's paradise originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecaliforniacrimeipadiphoneipodkirflalos angelesLosAngelespspvisualizedTue, 08 Feb 2011 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Research shocker! Keyless car entry systems can be hacked easily, elegantly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/research-shocker-keyless-car-entry-systems-can-be-hacked-easily/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/research-shocker-keyless-car-entry-systems-can-be-hacked-easily/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/research-shocker-keyless-car-entry-systems-can-be-hacked-easily/#comments We know you are vigilant enough not to trust your car's security to a wireless system, but plenty of other folks like the convenience of putting away the metallic keys and getting into their vehicles with a bit of Bond-like swagger. Professor Srdjan Capkun of ETH Zurich found himself perched on the fence between these two groups when he recently purchased a vehicle with a keyless entry system, so he did what any good researcher would: he tried to bypass its security measures. In total, he and his team tested 10 models from eight car makers and their results were pretty conclusive: each of the tested vehicles was broken into and driven away using a very simple and elegant method. Keyless entry systems typically work by sending a low-powered signal from the car to your key fob, with the two working only when they're near each other, but the wily Zurich profs were able to intercept and extend that signal via antennas acting as repeaters, resulting in your key activating your car even when it's nowhere near it. The signal-repeating antennae have to be pretty close to both the key and the car, but that's why heist movies stress the importance of teamwork. Hit the source link for all the chilling details.

Research shocker! Keyless car entry systems can be hacked easily, elegantly originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennacarcarscrimeencryptionentryeth zurichEthZurichfobhackhackingkeykeylesskeyless entryKeylessEntrylockrelayrepeaterrepeatersresearchsecurityshockerswitzerlandtheftuniversityunlockwirelesszurichSun, 16 Jan 2011 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Thieves damage South African traffic lights, reach for the juicy SIM card innards]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/thieves-damage-south-african-traffic-lights-reach-for-the-juicy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/thieves-damage-south-african-traffic-lights-reach-for-the-juicy/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/16/thieves-damage-south-african-traffic-lights-reach-for-the-juicy/#commentsJohannesburg, South Africa had six hundred high-tech traffic signals, each with a cellular modem and GPS chip. The idea was, if one malfunctioned, they'd call home immediately. Well, that plan isn't working out so well, because only two hundred are still in working order -- vandals ripped apart the rest to get at their SIM cards, causing traffic jams and accidents. Apparently, the government-provided cards are a ticket to unlimited free phone calls for the thieves -- at least until the individual devices are identified and their permissions revoked. The Johannesburg Roads Agency told the Mail & Guardian that the crime looks like an inside job, because only the SIM-equipped signals seem to have been targeted so far, despite looking visually identical. The damages are piling up, with the agency figuring it will require ZAR 8.8 million (roughly $1.26 million) to repair the four hundred signals currently out of order. Needless to say, the agency is looking at ways to better secure the traffic lights. We're guessing that switching to CDMA is probably off the table. Embedded SIMs, perhaps?

Thieves damage South African traffic lights, reach for the juicy SIM card innards originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeJohannesburgJRAsignalSIMSIM CardSIM cardsSimCardSimCardsthefttraffic lighttraffic lightstraffic signaltraffic signalsTrafficLightTrafficLightsTrafficSignalTrafficSignalsvandalismVandalsSun, 16 Jan 2011 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[The world's first shipped RED EPIC gets stolen in home break-in (update: $100k reward now offered!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/the-worlds-first-shipped-red-epic-gets-stolen-in-home-break-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/the-worlds-first-shipped-red-epic-gets-stolen-in-home-break-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/31/the-worlds-first-shipped-red-epic-gets-stolen-in-home-break-in/#comments Remember just earlier this month when OffHollywood studio head Mark Pederson became the first man to own a RED EPIC? Well, now his $58,000 über camera is gone. According to REDUSER forums, the EPIC was heisted last night along with some cash from Pederson's chalet in France while he and his family were sleeping. Pederson shares on the forum that "there was a forced entry through the front door. The thieves actually entered the master bedroom while my in-laws were sleeping, and standing a foot from their bed - emptied wallet and purse. There were 6 children and 8 adults sleeping in the house." That's a scary caper worthy of a Hollywood script for sure, but thankfully no one was hurt. Here's hoping the movie-like storyline continues now with law enforcement gumshoes actually cracking the case. In the meantime, maybe Peter Jackson can lend Pederson one of his 30 RED EPICs until his own baby returns.

Update: We just got word that RED honcho Jim Jannard is offering $100,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the recovery of the device and a conviction of the thieves. In his words (from the RED forums): "We are now offering $100,000 for the safe return of EPIC #00006 and the rest of the system including the media with Mark's files... and the arrest and conviction of those that broke into Mark's chalet in France. We will ONLY pay this amount if there is an arrest and conviction of the parties as we are not interested to be ransomed by thieves." Now that is seriously putting your money where your mouth is!

[Thanks, Derek and Cory]

The world's first shipped RED EPIC gets stolen in home break-in (update: $100k reward now offered!) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>break inBreakInburglarburglarsburglarycrimecrimesEpicMark PedersonMarkPedersonmovie cameraMovieCameraOffHollywoodpeter jacksonPeterJacksonredred camerared epicRedCameraRedEpicstealstealingthefttheftsFri, 31 Dec 2010 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[CCTV cameras help solve 'six crimes a day' in London, says Metropolitan Police]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/cctv-cameras-help-solve-six-crimes-a-day-in-london-says-metro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/cctv-cameras-help-solve-six-crimes-a-day-in-london-says-metro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/cctv-cameras-help-solve-six-crimes-a-day-in-london-says-metro/#commentsBeen questioning the value of having omnipresent surveillance cameras tracking your every move? Well, if you're an outlaw, you still won't like them, but for the rest of us law-abiding types, London's Metropolitan Police has a comforting stat to share: almost six crimes a day are being resolved with the help of CCTV footage. It's being used primarily to aid the identification of perps on the run, and the number of suspects identified as a result has gone up to 2,512 this year. There is a bright light for criminals, however, as the Met admits digital recordings aren't kept around as long as VHS ones used to be, meaning that if you slip the dragnet once, you'll probably be alright. So good news for everyone!

CCTV cameras help solve 'six crimes a day' in London, says Metropolitan Police originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camerascctvcopscrimecrime fightingCrimeFightingcriminalforensicsididentificationlawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementlondonmetropolitan policeMetropolitanPolicepolicesurveillanceukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomTue, 28 Dec 2010 05:37:00 EST<![CDATA[UK teen buys $750,000 of his own music from iTunes using stolen credit cards (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/uk-teen-buys-750-000-of-his-own-music-from-itunes-using-stolen/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/uk-teen-buys-750-000-of-his-own-music-from-itunes-using-stolen/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/uk-teen-buys-750-000-of-his-own-music-from-itunes-using-stolen/#comments A UK teen named Lamar Johnson has recently plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud. His crime? It seems that he and his band (both in a musical sense and in a "Robin Hood" sense) used stolen credit cards to purchase something like $750,000 worth of their own music from both Amazon and the iTunes Store between January 2008 and June 2009. There's no telling how much the group would have earned from royalties, and the name of the band hasn't been disclosed (believe us, we looked), but something tells us that they probably recorded dubstep. Also, something tells us that -- since the royalties would have to be paid out to someone with a bank account -- this was a painfully easy case for prosecutors to crack. While Johnson will find his sentence tacked onto the 5-year jail term he is currently serving for grievous bodily harm, the rest of his 12 member "band" will have to wait until they appear in court in January to discover their fate.

Update: One of our fine commenters (christianoliff) dug up an article from the Sunday Mercury that discloses a little more info on the perp, including a dashing photo and the name of his MySpace artist page. Apparently his criminal enterprise was more of a 2-step thing.

UK teen buys $750,000 of his own music from iTunes using stolen credit cards (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonapplecredit card fraudCreditCardFraudcrimefrauditunesitunes storeItunesStoreLamar JohnsonLamarJohnsonlaw enforcementLawEnforcementmp3 salesMp3SalesUKWed, 22 Dec 2010 00:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple secrets leaked early by inside traders, arrests reveal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/apple-secrets-leaked-early-by-inside-traders-arrests-reveal/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/apple-secrets-leaked-early-by-inside-traders-arrests-reveal/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/16/apple-secrets-leaked-early-by-inside-traders-arrests-reveal/#comments We don't normally cover the "business crime" beat, but there's a pretty interesting gadget angle here. As part of a larger crack down on insider trading, three technology executives and a "salesman for an 'expert network'" have been arrested for leaking confidential tips to hedge funds. What sort of secrets, you ask? A certain executive for Flextronics, Walter Shimoon, happened to pass on information concerning an iPhone update and the iPad well before they became official (Flextronics supplied Apple parts). "At Apple you can get fired for saying K48 ... outside of a, you know, outside of a meeting that doesn't have K48 people in it. That's how crazy they are about it," he said during an October 2009 phone call intercepted by authorities, where K48 was the codename for the iPad, which didn't see the light of day until 2010 (we're assuming here that's not all he said). The others arrested hail from AMD (leaking financial details) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and a fifth person already pled guilty (a former Dell global supply manager). Remember, kids, crime doesn't pay.

Apple secrets leaked early by inside traders, arrests reveal originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecrimeillegalinsiderinsider tradingInsiderTradingipadiphoneiphone 4Iphone4k48Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Criminals constructing ATM skimmers from DAPs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/criminals-constructing-atm-skimmers-from-daps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/criminals-constructing-atm-skimmers-from-daps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/criminals-constructing-atm-skimmers-from-daps/#comments
A recent article from Brian Krebs highlights a new trend in ATM skimmers: by using parts from cut-rate audio players and spy cams, criminals are able to construct something called an audio skimmer that records the data from the magnetic strip for later playback. Also included in the device is a miniature spy cam, which captures the user's PIN. The basic methodology behind the device is nothing new (for instance, it could be found in an issue of Phrack dating back to 1992) although the use of DAPs means that the whole thing is a lot more elegant than it was in the days of the portable cassette recorder. According to a recent report by the European ATM Security Team (EAST), devices of this type have been found in five countries, two of them "major ATM deployers" (with 40,000 active ATMs or more). Please guys, don't get any ideas. PR from EAST after the break.

Continue reading Criminals constructing ATM skimmers from DAPs

Criminals constructing ATM skimmers from DAPs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atmatm skimmeratm skimmersAtmSkimmerAtmSkimmerscrimeDAPdigital audio playerDigitalAudioPlayereast coastEastCoastEuropean ATM Security TeamEuropeanAtmSecurityTeamfraudhackskimmerspy cameraspy shotsSpyCameraSpyShotsWed, 24 Nov 2010 07:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian thieves steal $1 million in Sony PlayStation goods, couldn't wait any longer for GT5]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/canadian-thieves-steal-1-million-in-sony-playstation-goods-cou/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/canadian-thieves-steal-1-million-in-sony-playstation-goods-cou/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/canadian-thieves-steal-1-million-in-sony-playstation-goods-cou/#commentsCanadian theives steal $1 million in Sony PlayStation goods, couldn't wait any longer for GT5 Crime doesn't pay, folks, but sometimes you have to be at least somewhat amused by the shenanigans of those who operate beneath the law. Workers at a shipping facility in Brampton, Ontario discovered on Monday that a trailer containing $500,000 worth of Sony goods was stolen. Apparently whatever measures they took to prevent a recurrence were insufficient, because the very next day a second trailer went missing containing even more PS3 and PSP games and hardware. The first truck looks something like the above, with Nebraska plates, while the second is an XTRA Lease model with Ontario tags. If you see either don't tarry -- call Kevin Butler immediately.

Canadian thieves steal $1 million in Sony PlayStation goods, couldn't wait any longer for GT5 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacrimeontarioplastation portablePlastationPortableplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3pspsonytheftSat, 20 Nov 2010 22:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers develop 'blood camera' to spot crime scene stains in a flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/researchers-develop-blood-camera-to-spot-crime-scene-stains-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/researchers-develop-blood-camera-to-spot-crime-scene-stains-in/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/15/researchers-develop-blood-camera-to-spot-crime-scene-stains-in/#comments
Could inspecting a crime scene for even the most minuscule blood stains one day be as simple as taking a picture? It will if some research now being conducted at the University of South Carolina in Columbia pans out. A team there led by Stephen Morgan and Michael Myrick have developed a so-called "blood camera" that uses a combination of infrared light and a transparent layer of the protein albumin -- the latter of which acts as a filter and is able to highlight blood stains by filtering out wavelengths that aren't characteristic of blood proteins (or so we're told). That's as opposed to current methods for detecting blood at a crime scene, which rely on the chemical luminol to make the stains appear in the dark. As New Scientist notes, however, that method can also dilute blood samples and make DNA difficult to recover, and create false positives. The researchers don't seem to be stopping at blood, though -- they say the camera could also be easily adapted to detect trace amounts of other materials that aren't visible to the naked eye, like drugs or explosives.

Researchers develop 'blood camera' to spot crime scene stains in a flash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodblood cameraBloodCameracameracrimecrime sceneCrimeScenecsiMichael MyrickMichaelMyrickStephen MorganStephenMorganUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of South Carolina in ColumbiaUniversityOfSouthCarolinaUniversityOfSouthCarolinaInColumbiaMon, 15 Nov 2010 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[iPod foils potential kidnapping attempt in the hands of quick-thinking child]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/31/ipod-foils-potential-kidnapping-attempt-in-the-hands-of-quick-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/31/ipod-foils-potential-kidnapping-attempt-in-the-hands-of-quick-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/31/ipod-foils-potential-kidnapping-attempt-in-the-hands-of-quick-th/#comments Apple's iPod touch can't make cellular calls -- at least, not without a special case -- but it did look enough like the similar iPhone to foil one would-be predator. A Delaware suspect asked a 12-year-old girl to get into his van in front of her middle school, but quickly fled the scene, when the girl reportedly put her iPod against her ear and told him she was dialing police. The local authorities did eventually get called and are still looking for the suspect. If you see a "white male, 35-45 years of age, with a dark crew cut styled hair" suspiciously eying the headphone jack placement on devices in your local Apple Store, perhaps you'd best stay away.

iPod foils potential kidnapping attempt in the hands of quick-thinking child originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplecrimecriminalDelawareiPhoneiPod touchIpodTouchpredatorpredatorssuspectSun, 31 Oct 2010 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Screen Grabs: Dell Streak recruited into NCIS:LA for some undercover duty, fights evil Adamo XPS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/screen-grabs-dell-streak-recruited-into-ncis-la-for-some-underc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/screen-grabs-dell-streak-recruited-into-ncis-la-for-some-underc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/20/screen-grabs-dell-streak-recruited-into-ncis-la-for-some-underc/#commentsScreen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com.

Dell's product placement deal with CBS apparently doesn't stipulate whether its gadgets will be used for good or evil, as illustrated by their cameo appearances on the network's NCIS:LA crime drama. In last night's episode, lead do-gooder Special Agent Callen is seen preparing a Streak tabletphone for some audio recording action before a meeting with the baddies -- who in turn whip out an Adamo XPS (yes, it's still alive!) to seal a deal for some ultra-advanced weaponry. Yep, it's a non-stop cliché extravaganza!

[Thanks, James and Tarek]

Continue reading Screen Grabs: Dell Streak recruited into NCIS:LA for some undercover duty, fights evil Adamo XPS

Screen Grabs: Dell Streak recruited into NCIS:LA for some undercover duty, fights evil Adamo XPS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adamoadamo xpsAdamoXpsandroidcameocbscellphonecop showcopsCopShowcrimecrime dramaCrimeDramadelldell adamodell adamo xpsdell streakDellAdamoDellAdamoXpsDellStreakdramalaw enforcementLawEnforcementncisncis:laphonepoliceproduct placementProductPlacementscreen grabsScreenGrabsslatesmartphonestreaktablettelevisiontvvideoWed, 20 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[In Sweden, laptop thieves return your data on a USB stick]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/in-sweden-laptop-thieves-return-your-data-on-a-usb-stick/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/in-sweden-laptop-thieves-return-your-data-on-a-usb-stick/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/in-sweden-laptop-thieves-return-your-data-on-a-usb-stick/#comments Thieves, as it turns out, can be very considerate people indeed. A Swedish professor, who has understandably asked to remain anonymous, informed his local newspaper recently of a tale informing his laptop bag, a trip to the laundry room, and one very gentlemanly law breaker. As the story goes, the scholar in question hid his backpack under a stairwell while taking care of some chores, only to find it vanished a few minutes later. After reporting the incident to the police, however, our professor returned to the scene of the crime to find his goods had returned, sans his laptop. Content with at least having his precious calendar and papers back, he carried on with his undoubtedly thrilling academic life, but there was one more twist to his tale -- the thief mailed him a USB memory stick with all his data on it. Ironically enough, the USB key was one the prof had lying around inside his bag already, and the thief did what the owner never bothered to: back up all data on a separate drive. It's a surreal (and potentially fictitious) tale, but it made us smile to read it all the same.

In Sweden, laptop thieves return your data on a USB stick originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backupclassycrimecriminaldatainformationlaptoplawlegalstealingstolenswedentheftthiefTue, 19 Oct 2010 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[British police force tweeting every emergency call over 24 hours, ironically keeps getting TwitJailed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/british-police-force-tweeting-out-every-emergency-call-over-24-h/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/british-police-force-tweeting-out-every-emergency-call-over-24-h/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/british-police-force-tweeting-out-every-emergency-call-over-24-h/#comments The Greater Manchester Police team has decided to show the world how busy law enforcement can get by tweeting out every enquiry/emergency call it has to deal with. Only problem is that it keeps ending up in Twitter jail for posting too much. This one-day-only experiment (or is it a publicity stunt?) will detail every local call to 999 (the British 911) and the GMP's switchboard, uncovering such exciting episodes as "concern for welfare in Rusholme" and "report of threats and abuse on Facebook in Salford" (we're not making this up). It's intended to illustrate to the public and politicians alike the real life daily grind that police officers go through; and we see their point, it must be hell setting up all those new accounts to avoid Twitter's own rule enforcers. Tsk tsk.

British police force tweeting every emergency call over 24 hours, ironically keeps getting TwitJailed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishbritish policeBritishPolicebureaucracycrimeexperimentgreater manchester policeGreaterManchesterPolicelawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementmanchesterpolicereportingtwitjailtwitterukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomThu, 14 Oct 2010 10:50:00 EST