Lawmakers Ask GAO to Review Federal Use of Hacking Tools and Spyware
Summary
Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Greg Casar asked the GAO to review federal agencies’ use of hacking tools and spyware, including safeguards, alleged misuse, tool procurement, Paragon, stolen L3Harris capabilities and Rule 41 requests.
Key points
- Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Greg Casar asked the Government Accountability Office to review federal law enforcement’s use of hacking tools and spyware and publish its findings.
- The lawmakers said little public information is available about the scope, frequency or safeguards of these operations.
- They requested scrutiny of documented cases in which government employees allegedly misused hacking capabilities.
- The requested review would cover agencies’ acquisition and protection of hacking tools, including capabilities developed for the federal government and allegedly stolen and sold by a former L3Harris official.
- The request also covers Rule 41 hacking requests and court procedures.
- The lawmakers cited ICE’s acknowledged work with spyware firm Paragon and asked about the extent of federal reliance on spyware.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Lawmakers requested a Government Accountability Office review of federal agencies’ use of hacking tools and spyware.
- Impact
- The requested review would examine the scope and safeguards of federal hacking operations, alleged misuse of hacking capabilities, agencies’ acquisition and protection of tools, and Rule 41 hacking requests. The lawmakers said little public information is available about these operations. No review findings or resulting changes are reported.