Security Risks of Government Hacking

Author(s): 
Publication Type: 
White Paper / Report
Publication Date: 
September 5, 2018

Abstract: As the use of encryption and other privacy-enhancing technologies has increased, government officials in the United States have sought ways to ensure law enforcement’s capability to access communications and other data in plaintext. One of those methods is government hacking, also called “equipment interference.” Government hacking allows investigators to exploit hardware and software vulnerabilities to gain remote access to target computers. Some experts believe regulated government hacking is preferable to proposals for mandatory “backdoors” for accessing encrypted data. However, the security risks of government hacking have not been thoroughly explored. Understanding those risks is necessary for technologists and policymakers assessing the desirability of government hacking as a responsible option for law enforcement to achieve its objectives.