December 2003 - cypherpunks-legacy

Radio networking
by dwomack＠runner.utsa.edu 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

>>I wish it was easier to do things like that... Has anyone made any >>progress with networking over unliscensed radio spectrum? Why worry about unliscensed? I believe I've seen a laser (low power Helium/Neon), possibly in the Edmund Scientific catalog, that you can modulate. You'd have a nearly impenetrable, highly directional signal. Failing that, stick to 250mw or less; unless I'm mistaken, that's almost completely unregulated, and certainly doesn't require a license. Lots of hand held CB units, and the Maxon headsets fall in this category. For higher powers, you might consider getting a Ham license, probably at the technician grade. It's true that you aren't permitted to send encrypted messages...but did you know that many hams use SSTV (Slow scan Television) to send still photographs around the *_World_* on long wave (i.e. 10 meter) bands? Of course, only a shamefully irresponsible person would think of violating their duties as a Citizen-Unit (per Mr. May) and use Stegonography to include an encrypted message... You can also legally send unencrypted teletype messages over the Ham waves. Darn modems...sometimes we all have a "bad modem" day when everything comes out garbage. Must be the cables. Regards..

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Re: CIA@funet.fi ?
by gtoal＠an-teallach.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

: Graham Toal seems to have drug this thread to cypherpunks from alt.2600... Oh bugger. My newsreader's posting software is broken at the moment, so I read news in rn and file any I want to reply to in my mailbox. Then by the time I read it in mail and hit 'R', and ~h to change the address from the poster to a mail2news gateway, I've lost the newsgroup name. Looks like I forgot which group that article came from. Sorry. G (it's made more confusing because I also get cypherpunks via a newsgroup)

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Re: IR Blocking.
by ag588＠cleveland.Freenet.Edu 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

> >-> >BTW: What's the FBI, Cops, etc. supposed to do when their "suspect" is >aware that they're being watched? Do they knock down your door and >stop you from attempting to foil their investigation because they have >a warrant?? Or do they just go home with their tails between their legs? ><- > >They get a real attitude and start to break the rules because >"Now we're gonna get this smart ass and show him good." >"Yeah boss.... right." > >-uni- (Dark) > > The question as to what they are "supposed" to do can be understood in two ways: (1) what does the law ALLOW them to do, versus (2) what are they likely to do anyway? If the question is understood to be (2) above, then I would agree with Unicorn. But if the question is understood to be (1) above, then inquiry must be made as to (a) whether there is a warrant, and if so then (b) what are the terms of the warrant. If there is no warrant, then of course they should tuck tail and run. If there is a warrant, then upon confrontation the person who is the object of the warrant should be permitted to read it. Maybe the warrant is only to permit tapping of the phone. Maybe the warrant is only to seize certain equipment. At this point, you should shut up (don't say ANYTHING AT ALL) and call your lawyer. If things have gotten this far along, you're no longer in control of the situation and the best thing you can do is hope the feds screw up somehow. Oh, by the way, when you're talking to your lawyer on the phone, don't say anything stupid. Don't admit anything. Just explain the situation and tell him to come over right away. And in the meantime, just stay quiet! -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am an attorney, seeking a position in the area of Computer Law. If you know of such a position available, or of someone who may know of such a position, please send e-mail! Thanks.

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Re: (fwd) Re: What's so bad about a Surveillance State?
by jim＠bilbo.suite.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

> Citizen-Unit Miller is to be commended for his > recognition that the common good is served when the state > fulfills its surveillance obligations. > > [more funny stuff deleted] I enjoyed Tim May's post. I'm hoping you all realize my post was simply an electronic stick jabbed into the hornet's nest. I do *not* think a surveillance state is a good thing. I deliberately constructed my post to get people's attention. I want people (other than just Cypherpunks) to think about life in a surveillance state. One goal of mine is to construct a list of all the seemly positive aspects of surveillance technology. I don't think the US will suddenly become a total surveillance state overnight. I do fear the US is evolving into one. Each "positive" use of surveillance technology may become accepted for one reason or another, because, by individually, they may not seem too harmful. However, the cumulative effect of the incorporation of all these "positive" uses of surveillance will transform the US (or any country) into a awful place to live. It may be easier to persuade people not to support government sponsored/controlled surveillance technology if all the "positive" uses are described together, rather than individually. Then again, maybe not. I can at least try. Jim_Miller(a)suite.com

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Re: spyproofing your house/work building
by Mike Markley 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

| From: Phil Karn <netmail!karn(a)qualcomm.com> | To: <netmail!mimsy!anagld!decode!system(a)uunet.uu.net> | Cc: <cypherpunks(a)toad.com> | Subject: Re: spyproofing your house/work building | Date: Tuesday, March 15, 1994 9:52PM | | Received: from relay2.UU.NET by netmail.microsoft.com with SMTP (5.65/25-eef) | id AA24541; Tue, 15 Mar 94 21:59:04 -0800 | Received: from toad.com by relay2.UU.NET with SMTP | (5.61/UUNET-internet-primary) id AAwhkx23447; Wed, 16 Mar 94 00:57:56 -0500 | Received: by toad.com id AA02049; Tue, 15 Mar 94 21:52:47 PST | Received: from servo.qualcomm.com by toad.com id AA02042; Tue, 15 Mar 94 21:52:43 PST | Received: from localhost (karn@localhost) by servo.qualcomm.com | (8.6.5/QC-BSD-2.2); id VAA29543 | Tue, 15 Mar 1994 21:52:35 -0800 | Message-Id: <199403160552.VAA29543(a)servo.qualcomm.com> | In-Reply-To: <3Vy9ic1w165w(a)decode.UUCP> (message from System | Operator on Tue, 15 Mar 94 16:00:49 EST) | Sender: netmail!owner-cypherpunks(a)toad.com | Precedence: bulk | | Yeah, this is getting pretty far afield, but if you want to see what | IR floodlight/camera combinations look like, visit Disneyland. That | park probably has one of the most extensive video surveillance systems | of any place readily accessible to the public. (I expect Disney World | is much the same). | | IR cameras are everywhere in the inside rides, especially in dark | areas where visible floodlights would ruin the dramatic | effect. Perhaps the easiest place to see them is in Pirates of the | Caribbean. Just turn around and look backwards, and you'll see video | cameras mounted overhead next to dim red lights. | | Other rides where they can be easily seen include People Mover (never | crowded), Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain. | | Phil | Disney is a pretty paranoid company. I was there about 13 years ago with some friends and a couple of the people I was with decided to take a 'joint' break in the woods. They looked around and, not seeing anyone, ducked into the bushes. Within about 30 seconds several security guards came running and escorted them out of the park. The guards were not worried about what they were smoking, just that they had gone off the designated path. I've always wondered how the new so fast. Mike. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Mike Markley || The opinions here do not represent the mmarkley(a)microsoft.com || opinions of my employer. Attempts to || associate the two are pointless. "I want to look at life, In the available light" - Neil Peart -

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(fwd) Who's watching you... 01
by tcmay＠netcom.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

With all the speculation about IR surveillance, I thought I'd forward a fairly meaty article about actual products for video surveillance. If this interests you, Part 2 is in alt.conspiracy. By the way, alt.conspiracy is one of the most consistently entertaining newsgroups out there. Bizarre stuff about UFOs and mind control, to seemingly accurate stuff about U.S. development of biolgoical weapons and plans for increased surveillance. Use a good newsreader and just scan the titles for interesting threads. Glenda Stocks forwards a lot of good articles (though I don't vouch for their accuracy in all cases) about topics of interest to Cypherpunks. Though the source is alt.conspiracy, they're often less paranoid than some of the idle speculations many of us (including me!) sometimes make. At least these are quasi-journalistic pieces. Enjoy them. --Tim May From: Glenda.Stocks(a)f201.n330.z1.fidonet.org (Glenda Stocks) Newsgroups: alt.conspiracy Subject: Who's watching you... 01 Message-ID: <763792385.AA05350(a)rochgte.fidonet.org> Date: Tue, 15 Mar 1994 13:39:00 -0500 Article Cross-posted from 0700 - EMAIL @ CHANNEL1 Posted by GLR(a)RCI.RIPCO.COM, addressed to SEARCHNET ZEC, on 03/12/94 [Begin Message] THE WORLD OF SURVEILLANCE This Month's Special The clock that can tell time and also tell on you! Deep in the laboratory of Knox Security comes the great creation of the remote controlled covert clock. It looks like a gigantic Hong Kong wrist watch, but hidden below the LCD display is a camera with pan, tilt & zoom. All operations are wireless. The KS300 Remote Controlled Covert Clock (12"x12"x4") has the following features: 1) Very High Frequency video link for high security needs (1300Mhz FM, 10Ghz optional). NTSC format is standard and PAL is available, 2) Accurate remote commands with digital proportional circuits. A 72Mhz FM link is used for the command transmission, 3) Low power consumption (either 110/220VAC or optionally rechargeable led acid or lithium pack), 4) specially treated mirror glass for very low light loss, 5) 6:1 or 10:1 zoom ratio, 6) rugged remote control briefcase (12"x32"x30") with 5" monitor and two joy sticks for commanding: power on/off, transmitter on/off, camera on/off, variable pan/tilt control, variable focus and zoom control. The pan/tilt uses plastic Delron gears and solid state switching components for whisper quiet movements - undetectable to the person(s) being spied on. The pan range is 125 degrees and the tilt range is 50 degrees. The clock face can be removed when it is necessary to hide the unit in a wall cavity for long term (or 3rd party) surveillance applications. Without the clock face the pan and tilt ranges are 355 and 80 degrees respectively. Other ``faces'' can be custom designed. Knox Security Engineering has so far refused to answer Full Disclosure's request for pricing information on the KS300. However, sources indicate that the cost is $27,000.00. Contact: Knox Security Engineering Corporation, 335 Greenwich Av, Greenwich, CT 06830. Phone: (203) 622-7300, Fax: (203) 662-7418. WHAT'S TEXAS UP TO? The Texas Department of Public Safety, Intelligence Unit, Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773, Phone: (512) 465-2200 is increasing its ability to electronically spy on those in Texas with the purchase of the following equipment in August of 1990: Unitized Intelligence Recording System: Receiver, recorder, and transmitter will be housed in an inconspicuous, high impact commercial grade attache-type case with an antenna installed in the case lid. The cassette recorder will be removable for independent operations. Panel mounted controls and indicator system operate on/off switch, charge indicator lamp, power on indicator, recorder manual/automatic switch, battery test indicator, battery status switch for internal batteries. One crystal supplied with each receiver; additional crystals $75.00 each. Transmitter and receiver shall have FCC type acceptance and certification. Receiver (general description): Voice scrambler standard, VHF high band FM, start-of-the-art GAAS FET RF environment. Dual front end receiver circuitry to provide repeater capability, with separate outputs for earphone, VCR, and line level audio. Receiver specifications: Frequency range: 150 to 174 mhz. Channel capacity: Two (2) 1.7mhz wide frequency bands, may be separated up to 24mhz. Transmitter: A narrow band FM 500mw disguise body transmitter with 9 volt DC power supply utilizing two (2) 9 volt alkaline batteries, switch selectable, clear or scrambled voice transmission standard. The antenna and electret condensor microphone supplied with transmitter. 11 of these systems were ordered Ball Cap Transmitters as per the following: Each transmitter shall be concealable in a ``baseball-type'' cap, with a a specially modified ball cap supplied, utilizing one P-80 6 volt battery in an integral, slide in, battery contract. An internal electret microphone and external plat pack antenna will be supplied. The transmitter shall have an on/off switch. Frequency: 150-174 mhz, Channels: One (1). RF Power out: 120mw. Operating time: 3 hrs using factory fresh battery @68 degrees F. Example: AID TX-731B-CAT #95129-02 or Equal. Continued in the next message... -- .......................................................................... Timothy C. May | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money, tcmay(a)netcom.com | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero 408-688-5409 | knowledge, reputations, information markets, W.A.S.T.E.: Aptos, CA | black markets, collapse of governments. Higher Power: 2^859433 | Public Key: PGP and MailSafe available. "National borders are just speed bumps on the information superhighway."

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(fwd) Get your files 01
by tcmay＠netcom.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

Xref: netcom.com alt.conspiracy:46884 From: Glenda.Stocks(a)f201.n330.z1.fidonet.org (Glenda Stocks) Path: netcom.com!netcomsv!decwrl!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!convex!news.utdallas.edu!wupost!math.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!eff!news.kei.com!ub!galileo.cc.rochester.edu!ee.rochester.edu!rochgte!UUCP Newsgroups: alt.conspiracy Subject: Get your files 01 Message-ID: <763792385.AA05342(a)rochgte.fidonet.org> Date: Tue, 15 Mar 1994 13:39:00 -0500 X-FTN-To: All Lines: 98 Article Cross-posted from 0700 - EMAIL @ CHANNEL1 Posted by GLR(a)RCI.RIPCO.COM, addressed to SEARCHNET ZEC, on 03/12/94 [Begin Message] Get Your Files By Glen L. Roberts This Bulletin outlines how to get copies of your most important files: Credit Bureau, Medical Bureau, Federal (FBI, IRS, Secret Service, Etc), and State. In most cases it is quite easy, simply write a letter to the correct business or agency and the reply will be forthcoming. This can be made even easier by use of a fill in the blank form. The information required and addresses to write to for your different files follow. Credit Bureaus There are three credit bureaus and they will all require the same information. Provide your full name and address. You might find that by supplying your Social Security Number (SSN), it will smooth the process of getting copies of your credit report. Additionally, if someone else is using your SSN it will be more likely to show up, if they look up your files by SSN rather than name alone. Send your credit bureau request letter to: TRW, P.O. Box 749029, Dallas, Texas 75374 Trans Union, P.O. Box 7000, North Olmstead, Ohio 44070. Equifax, Wildwood Plaza, 7200 Windy Hill Rd, Suite 500, Marietta, Georgia 30067 Medical Bureaus Like credit bureaus collecting and disseminating credit information about us, the Medical Information Bureau does the same for our medical records. Their database is used by insurance companies to prevent someone from withholding information reported to one insurance company from another. The risk of having incorrect information come back to bite is much more serious than a mangled credit history. You should request the nature of substance of your Medical Information Bureau files, and in addition to the information needed to request your Credit Bureau file, you'll need to include your place and date of birth. Medical Information Bureau, P.O. Box 105, Essex Station, Boston, Massachusetts 02112. Phone: (617) 426-3660 Federal Records The Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act give us the right to copies of our federal files (with certain exceptions, of course). When considering getting copies of these records, the exceptions are not of immediate concern. The federal agency is required to provide copies of all non-exempt material and provide an explanation and description of the exempt records. These all apply to all Executive Branch agencies of the federal government: FBI, IRS, BATF, SECRET SERVICE, etc. They do not apply to the courts or congress. Making a request is simple. You'll need to provide your full name (and any aliases), current and former addresses, place and date of birth, SSN (optional, but it will make them happy!), and you'll have to have your signature notarized, along with a statement that you are requesting a copy of all records that the agency maintains on you. Under law, the federal agencies have ten working days to comply. Depending on the agency, you may have to wait up to three years! Most agencies operate on a centralized basis. Send your request to the office in Washington DC and they will handle it for all offices around the country. Others, such as the IRS and FBI are regional. Send one to Washington DC and each service center or field office that covers the places you have lived or conducted business. Use your local phone book to contact the agencies for their addresses. State Agencies Many States have Freedom of Information Acts based on the federal law. Ask the Research Desk at your public library or State Congressperson. Even if you can't find a State Law, there's no reason not to request files and see what kind of response you get. If you don't ask, you certainly won't receive! Notes Never represent yourself as another to get a copy of their files. Some files are covered by privacy laws, some aren't. Feel free to ask for a copy of someone else's files, but make it clear the files are NOT about you. Either you'll get copies, or be told of a privacy law that prevents the release. Continued in the next message... -- .......................................................................... Timothy C. May | Crypto Anarchy: encryption, digital money, tcmay(a)netcom.com | anonymous networks, digital pseudonyms, zero 408-688-5409 | knowledge, reputations, information markets, W.A.S.T.E.: Aptos, CA | black markets, collapse of governments. Higher Power: 2^859433 | Public Key: PGP and MailSafe available. "National borders are just speed bumps on the information superhighway."

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Re: (fwd) Re: What's so bad about a Surveillance State?
by Blanc Weber 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

[Tim's reply to Jim] Citizen-Unit Miller is to be commended for his recognition that the common good is served when the state fulfills its surveillance obligations. .... etc. [ uncontrollable giggle from irresponsible unit ] [Jim's reply] I do *not* think a surveillance state is a good thing. I deliberately constructed my post to get people's attention. I want people (other than just Cypherpunks) to think about life in a surveillance state. .............................................. Thinking about life in a surveillance state, I wonder what youall would do if it came to pass? I once asked a bunch of Objectivists what they would do if a certain individual was elected and the US was turned into a socialist/commie paradise. In three hours of discussion, they could not arrive at any viable ideas. Maybe, Jim, you could also compile some replies about how 'free radical units' would deal with the problem. It might sound a bit like a sci-fi story, all total. Blanc

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mini-JIR
by Carl Ellison 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

The mini-Journal of Irreproducible Results ("mini-JIR") Editor: Marc Abrahams (jir(a)mit.edu) Technical Brains: Marilyn Geller (mgeller(a)mit.edu) has just come out in support of Clipper and an expansion of Clipper to paper mail. It's nice. You might want to write for a copy. (I'd forward the whole thing here but it's 23K). - Carl

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Re: (fwd) Re: What's so bad about a Surveillance State?
by koontzd＠lrcs.loral.com 17 Dec '03

17 Dec '03

Sort of remeniscent of the push by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, they had the bright idea to tax people for the priveledge of parking at work (not just in SF, but everywhere). Back of the envelope calculations give a number of something like a quarter of a million "block monitorys" to strictly enforce the idea. The single biggest thing stopping facism from becoming rampant in this country is manpower. Be very wary of facism-labor-saving devices.

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