US secret agents work at Microsoft: French intelligence

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

There was a similar report in Times of India earlier this week...

US secret agents work at Microsoft: French intelligence

Source: AFP | Published: Saturday February 19, 7:44 AM

PARIS, Feb 18 - A French intelligence report today accused US secret agents of working with computer giant Microsoft to develop software allowing Washington to spy on communications around the world.

The report, drawn up by the Strategic Affairs Delegation (DAS), the intelligence arm of the French Defence Ministry, was quoted in today's edition of the news-letter Le Monde du Renseignement (Intelligence World). Written by a senior officer at the DAS, the report claims agents from the National Security Agency (NSA) helped install secret programmes on Microsoft software, currently in use in 90 per cent of computers.

According to the report there was a 'strong suspicion' of a lack of security fed by insistent rumours about the existence of spy programs on Microsoft, and by the presence of NSA personnel in Bill Gates' development teams. The NSA protects communications for the US government, and also intercepts electronic messages for the Defence Department and other US intelligence agencies, the newsletter said.

According to the report, 'it would seem that the creation of Microsoft was largely supported, not least financially, by the NSA, and that IBM was made to accept the (Microsoft) MS-DOS operating system by the same administration.' The report claimed the Pentagon was Microsoft's biggest client in the world.

Link

http://www.theage.com.au/breaking/0002/19/A27800-2000Feb19.shtml

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), February 19, 2000

Answers

Should this surprise anyone? The NSA already has ECHELON to spy on worldwide communications...why wouldn't they use every possible means to spy on everyone? What's curious is that they don't do a better job of intelligence given their apparent ability to spy at will. Perhaps there are 'holes' in their system???

-- LookingGlass (EyesInThe@Sky.com), February 19, 2000.

Why do you think lots of us run Linux instead of 'Windoze'?

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), February 19, 2000.

Is there *any* software, Linux included, that is secure from tampering, ie. installing 'back doors'? Are you sure? How can you be sure?

-- bz (beezee@statesville.net), February 19, 2000.

This wouldn't surprise me one bit if it were true.

-- r (r@r.com), February 19, 2000.

US agents helped design Windows! Probably the same ones that selected targets in Belgrade. That would explain many things. The Chinese would understand that explanation.

Best wishes,,,,

Z

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), February 19, 2000.



in that case, could you explain why the US government would go after microsoft? why kill the goose that is laying the golden eggs?

-- jocelyne slough (jonslough@tln.net), February 19, 2000.

Are they attempting to actually kill the goose, or are they applying pressure to achieve greater cooperation?

-- Chris Tisone (c_tisone@hotmail.com), February 19, 2000.

Spying on everybody, gosh, aren't they bored?

What amazing exciting secrets do most ppl have?

99.2% have the same plodding routine ...

-- zzzzz (zz@zz.zzz), February 19, 2000.


It's possible to close most of the existing "back doors" in Win 95/98.

See Shields Up (Steve Wilson).

He's very informative, in any case.

-- Tom Carey (tomcarey@mindspring.com), February 19, 2000.


Tom, I've closed port 139 a few months ago according to Steve Gibson's instructions (port 139 being the most common offender of intrusions). His instructions are clear, although it can seem very confusing and complicated to non-techies, but I think if you take the time to read and implement his instructions it is very worthwhile.

Also, I've installed a new Firewall called ZoneAlarm that Steve recommended, it's new and still in beta, but for me it works fine and appears stable on my system. It's easy to configure and use, simple interface. I'd recommend it to everyone not just because it's easy to use, but also because it alerts of *implanted programs in your computer attempting to communicated outside*. Things like trojans and stealthy surveillance programs. It also alerts you when someone is attempting to enter via other vulnerable ports and blocks them (there's thousands of ports, not just up to 139!) And blocks pings etc.

-- Chris (#$@!#@pond.com), February 19, 2000.



To zzzz,

But the .08% that are "interesting", I've got to keep my eyes on YOU.

Your Leader

-- Your Leader (YourLeader@thebighouse.gov), February 19, 2000.


If you have evr installed AOL, or bought a computer that has already installed programs designed for internet travel by Microsoft...you have a back door! If you run some newer AOL installation CDs, you not only hook up with total home monitoring of your life and made public at a cost to buying companies, etc., but you have also installed a program that rejects other ISPs...even trying to uninstall AOL stuff will result in damage to your harddrive and configurational systems...They want you and if you have a computer they own you!

-- SB Ryan G III (sbrg3@juno.com), February 19, 2000.

OK! you've convinced me...look at LINUX!

Which distribution and company has an interface that most closely resmbles the grtaphic nature of Windoze??



-- K. Stevens (kstevens@ It ALL went away last month .com), February 19, 2000.


Lord, I hope that the US agents are more competent than the clowns who are giving us the bug-ridden, security-flawed MicroSoft operating systems...

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), February 19, 2000.

This bit is dynamite...

According to the report, 'it would seem that the creation of Microsoft was largely supported, not least financially, by the NSA, and that IBM was made to accept the (Microsoft) MS-DOS operating system by the same administration.

-- number six (#@#.com), February 19, 2000.



At a guess of all the wholesome replies you recieve this month I would have to be well up there amongst those most generally possessing of ignorance to so reply. Being, it would seem, not content to merely lack a computer and more than bare knowledge of, but I would think without doubt of almost anything else truly worth knowing. Hope willing I will find in me to be truly loving, truly of service to others again someday. Sincerely. M.G.

-- Mark Roy Gillam (giltlamb@yahoo.com), February 21, 2000.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ