The story of South Africa's VASTech reads like a Wilbur Smith adventure: the hero, a young maverick who grows up in the shadow of a political sibling, strikes out on his own with a brilliant tech startup, makes a killing in the developing world, then at the height of his success dies in a mysterious plane crash in Libya. One year later during the violent upheaval of Arab Spring … [Read more...]
Is Harris StingRay Above the Law?
Is U.S. law enforcement's fondness of the Harris StingRay running wild? How often are such mobile location and interception devices, broadly known as "IMSI catchers," used, and under what (if any) legal authority? These are not idle questions. They form the basis of a written summons to a public hearing by Senators Patrick Leahy and Charles Grassley, respectively the … [Read more...]
FBI Seeks Hackers for Ethical Geek Squad
If you thought FBI Director James Comey was blowing hot air in his Brookings Institute attack on Apple/Google encryption last Fall, snap out of it: As a first step toward regaining the upper hand, the FBI seeks hackers interested in working for the agency as full-time special cyber agents. Applicants must be certified as "ethical hackers" and meet the FBI's usual requirements … [Read more...]
Brits Cut Police Funding for 2015
A not so happy New Year awaits UK law enforcement following the government's recent announcement of a 5.1 percent budget cut for 2015-16. Sir Hugh Orde, President of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said in a statement: “The police service has lost 34,000 police and staff since 2010. The 5.1% budget reduction will lead to further losses, with more impact on … [Read more...]
Nuance Voice Biometrics for Law Enforcement: Not Long for This World?
Just in time for Thanksgiving, voice biometrics giant Nuance on Nov. 24 issued another earnings gobbler, reporting its eighth consecutive money-losing quarter. Should law enforcement customers risk investing in a voice biometrics tool made by a company that seems financially non-aerodynamic? On the upside, the company touted it beat analyst expectations for the year, which … [Read more...]