Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Carnivore No More

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the calling-it-quits dept.

wikinerd writes "FBI has retired the controversial Carnivore software, strongly criticized by privacy advocates for its email capturing abilities. However, it is believed that unspecified commercial surveillance tools are employed now. What does that mean for Internet users' privacy?"

5 of 194 comments (clear)

  1. In other news by detrino · · Score: 5, Funny

    FBI has begun to install its less intimidating sounding "herbivore" software accross the globe. Vegetarians rejoice.

    1. Re:In other news by JPriest · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Exactly, I work for an ISP, we are still installing these things for the FBI. I don't know much about the new version of Carnivore but I can tell you they have some bugs to be worked out still. (eg. they are not entirely passive, and the IP space needs to be added into them.) This makes network changes a PITA because I don't have access to configure new IP blocks into the new Carnivore platform. If they are going to make us install these things they should at least make them work seamlessly :P

      --
      Saying Java is nice because it works on all OS's is like saying that anal sex is nice because it works on all genders.
  2. Re:Instead.... by tomhudson · · Score: 5, Funny
    FTA:
    However, it is believed that unspecified commercial surveillance tools are employed now.
    Actually, they just bought Gator :-)
  3. Carnivore has offshoots by itpr15061 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Carnivore relied heavily on a product called SilentRunner. SilentRunner was purchased by Computer Associates and given a new name, Network Forensics.

    http://www3.ca.com/Solutions/Product.asp?ID=4856

    It has the ability to decode email on the fly. I have the product and while it does have some "wow" factor, the usability and stability is atrocious. Another fine cobbled together product from CA.

    1. Re:Carnivore has offshoots by ScrewMaster · · Score: 5, Funny

      It can decode ASCII plaintext in real-time? Wow, now that is impressive.

      --
      The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.