Feds tell Web firms to turn over user account passwords

[Spoonman]

I'm glad we elected a liberal who is opposed to domestic spying

Feds tell Web firms to turn over user account passwords | Politics and Law - CNET News

Secret demands mark escalation in Internet surveillance by the federal government through gaining access to user passwords, which are typically stored in encrypted form.



The U.S. government has demanded that major Internet companies divulge users' stored passwords, according to two industry sources familiar with these orders, which represent an escalation in surveillance techniques that has not previously been disclosed.

If the government is able to determine a person's password, which is typically stored in encrypted form, the credential could be used to log in to an account to peruse confidential correspondence or even impersonate the user. Obtaining it also would aid in deciphering encrypted devices in situations where passwords are reused.

"I've certainly seen them ask for passwords," said one Internet industry source who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We push back."

 

[TNHarley]

thank u patriot act!

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Why would thy need passwords when all the information in the account is available through other means? Are they intending to log on and post as different people?

 

[Katzndogz]

Why would thy need passwords when all the information in the account is available through other means? Are they intending to log on and post as different people?

Perhaps they are just going to steal identities and use those identities to prosecute who ever their target is.

 

[Spoonman]

Why would thy need passwords when all the information in the account is available through other means? Are they intending to log on and post as different people?

maybe they're just trolls at heart

 

[NightFox]

Why would thy need passwords when all the information in the account is available through other means?

Because having the password allows one to impersonate the account owner without the account owner being aware that his/her account has been hijacked.

Are they intending to log on and post as different people?

That's exactly the intent, along with being able to continuously monitor communications of a given account without having to go back to an ISP with another "data dump" demand.

 

[PredFan]

Scary

 

[OnePercenter]

I see the paranoid kiddie-porn folks are at it again!

How cares. As long as you aren't money laundering through paypal you have nothing to fear.

 

[OnePercenter]

Scary

Afraid the police are going to bust you?

 

[dilloduck]

Scary

Afraid the police are going to bust you?

You trust the feds with your money ? Good luck. I think some people who actually have money and do online banking may have some concerns.

 

[dilloduck]

Why would thy need passwords when all the information in the account is available through other means?

Because having the password allows one to impersonate the account owner without the account owner being aware that his/her account has been hijacked.

Are they intending to log on and post as different people?

That's exactly the intent, along with being able to continuously monitor communications of a given account without having to go back to an ISP with another "data dump" demand.

blackmail opportunities up the wazoo.

 

[Meister]

Scary

Afraid the police are going to bust you?

You trust the feds with your money ? Good luck. I think some people who actually have money and do online banking may have some concerns.

Some people are just that naive, Dillo

 

[OnePercenter]

Scary

Afraid the police are going to bust you?

You trust the feds with your money ? Good luck. I think some people who actually have money and do online banking may have some concerns.

Yes I do.

Online banking is extremely secure if you take the proper steps on your end.

 

[OnePercenter]

Afraid the police are going to bust you?

You trust the feds with your money ? Good luck. I think some people who actually have money and do online banking may have some concerns.

Some people are just that naive, Dillo

When you write naive, you need to look in the mirror.

 

[OnePercenter]

Why would thy need passwords when all the information in the account is available through other means?

Because having the password allows one to impersonate the account owner without the account owner being aware that his/her account has been hijacked.

Are they intending to log on and post as different people?

That's exactly the intent, along with being able to continuously monitor communications of a given account without having to go back to an ISP with another "data dump" demand.

blackmail opportunities up the wazoo.

Yeah, the Government is going to blackmail you. Yeah. Sure.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

I see the paranoid kiddie-porn folks are at it again!

How cares. As long as you aren't money laundering through paypal you have nothing to fear.

Send me your all your logon info and passwords and I will show you just how wrong you are.

 

[SFC Ollie]

Before I go off on this I have some questions that haven't been addressed unless I've missed it...


First who makes this claim...the major players all say they haven't been asked for this information and wouldn't give it up anyway.

Second. Is this supposed to be everyones Passwords or select individuals....

This can make a major difference......

 

[OnePercenter]

I see the paranoid kiddie-porn folks are at it again!

How cares. As long as you aren't money laundering through paypal you have nothing to fear.

Send me your all your logon info and passwords and I will show you just how wrong you are.

Why would you want my log-on info and passwords?

 

[RoadVirus]

Scary

Afraid the police are going to bust you?

1%er apparently has no problem with the government overstepping it's power and violating our privacy.

 

[thereisnospoon]

I'm glad we elected a liberal who is opposed to domestic spying

Feds tell Web firms to turn over user account passwords | Politics and Law - CNET News

Secret demands mark escalation in Internet surveillance by the federal government through gaining access to user passwords, which are typically stored in encrypted form.



The U.S. government has demanded that major Internet companies divulge users' stored passwords, according to two industry sources familiar with these orders, which represent an escalation in surveillance techniques that has not previously been disclosed.

If the government is able to determine a person's password, which is typically stored in encrypted form, the credential could be used to log in to an account to peruse confidential correspondence or even impersonate the user. Obtaining it also would aid in deciphering encrypted devices in situations where passwords are reused.

"I've certainly seen them ask for passwords," said one Internet industry source who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We push back."

What's to stop those nosy fucks in DC from demanding pass words to bank and financial accounts?
All of the domestic spying, the behavior of the IRS and the NSA comes directly via White House instructions.
Obama is an egomaniac. Egomaniacs tend to border on perpetual paranoia.