He says that he was just hired to write pirate programs to make DirecTV's own network more secure, but one of his projects for News Corp., the "stinger," can talk to any smart card in the world. Another hacker claims that he bragged about using the stinger with News Corps.'s people to reprogram a bunch of Dish's cards, but Tarnovsky claims he's being set up to take the fall.

Dish says the hack attack has cost them over $900 million. Either way, this whole thing is some serious material for a TNT movie of the week. [Reuters via Valleywag]

Threat Level pegs the wireless carrier as Verizon Wireless, because of a 2006 lawsuit whose allegations are extremely similar—a direct line built into their network for a "Quantico recipient" (Quantico, Virginia being the FBI's cyber-surveillance HQ) which allowed:

"Direct access to all content and all information concerning the origin and termination of telephone calls placed on the Verizon Wireless network as well as the actual content of calls."

"Unfettered access to Verizon Wireless customer records, data and information. Any customer databases, records and information could be downloaded from this center."

Takeaway, if you're dense: Everything is tapped, there's nothing you can do about it. Whatever thrust there was in righteous outrage is spent and pointless—but at least you know when you're talking to yourself (on a phone?), there's probably someone listening. =) [Threat Level]

As with most lofty goals, there are major obstacles to contend with. First and foremost, the designers are going to have to figure out how to power such an aircraft over the course of these long missions. Oh, and it will have to do it while carrying a 1000 pound payload in the fearsome winds at a 60,000—90,000 feet. No problem right? As for the design, the Vulture will most likely draw on NASA designs like the one pictured above, but there is no definitive time table on when we might actually see a working craft. [Flight Global via CNET via DVICE]

The Billboard Liberation Front today announced a major new advertising improvement campaign executed on behalf of clients AT&T and the National Security Agency. Focusing on billboards in the San Francisco area, this improvement action is designed to promote and celebrate the innovative collaboration of these two global communications giants.

"This campaign is an extraordinary rendition of a public-private partnership," observed BLF spokesperson Blank DeCoverly. "These two titans of telecom have a long and intimate relationship, dating back to the age of the telegraph. In these dark days of Terrorism, that should be a comfort to every law-abiding citizen with nothing to hide."

AT&T initially downplayed its heroic efforts in the War on Terror, preferring to serve in silence behind the scenes. "But then we realized we had a PR win on our hands," noted AT&T V.P. of Homeland Security James Croppy. "Not only were we helping NSA cut through the cumbersome red tape of the FISA system, we were also helping our customers by handing over their e-mails and phone records to the government. Modern life is so hectic - who has time to cc the feds on every message? It's a great example of how we anticipate our customers' needs and act on them. And, it should be pointed out, we offered this service free of charge."

Commenting on the action, and responding to questions about pending privacy litigation and the stalled Congressional effort to shield the telecoms from these lawsuits, NSA spokesperson [REDACTED] remarked: "[REDACTED] we [REDACTED] condone [REDACTED] warrantless [REDACTED], [REDACTED] SIGINT intercepts, [REDACTED] torture [REDACTED] information retrieval by [REDACTED] means necessary."

"It's a win-win-win situation," noted the BLF's DeCoverly. "NSA gets the data it needs to keep America safe, telecom customers get free services, and AT&T makes a fortune. That kind of cooperation between the public and private sectors should serve as a model to all of us, and a harbinger of things to come."

Come see the improvement at 14th St. and Valencia St. in San Francisco.

The BLF (www.billboardliberation.com) has been improving outdoor advertising since 1977. Prior campaigns have included work for Exxon, R.J. Reynolds, and Apple Computers.

AT&T (www.att.com) is America's favorite telecommunications trust. Based in San Antonio, Texas, it has over 300,000 employees and annual revenues of $117 Billion.

NSA (www.nsa.gov) is the largest intelligence organization in the world. Headquartered at Fort Meade, Maryland, its budget, personnel, products, and services are all classified.

Blank DeCoverly
BLF Minister of Propaganda

Worse, they even knocked down two proposed amendments that would have at least paid lip service to holding them responsible for their actions. Now we'll never know just how it deep went, how thoroughly they violated any number of things that just shouldn't be fucked with—rights, laws, etc. [NYT]

P.S. How'd our potential prezzes vote? Unsurprisingly, Obama voted against immunity, Hillary didn't vote (too busy crying) and McCain doesn't like anything with wires, so he okayed the spying.

The service even gives customers the first names of the workers who take their phone order and deliver their pizza, so slackers will have to shape up or ship out. Unfortunately, the tracker stops short of keeping tabs on the drivers when they are in route, so the time it takes for their beater car to sputter to your door may still be tense for impatient pizza lovers.

Interestingly enough, part of the ordering process involves an oath that asks you to "agree to use the Domino's Pizza Tracker to only track your own Domino's Pizza orders." So apparently it is possible to engage is some sort of shady pizza fraud scheme. At any rate, the system will go up today at 3,400 Domino's outlets and will be in all stores by June 30. The only question is, will the novelty of being able to know when your order is put in to the oven, boxed, and shipped be enough to get you to choke down one of their god-awful pizzas? [USAToday via Consumerist]

Mark Klein explained the situation a bit in this video and why he was lobbying against immunity for the telcos—which the FCC declined to investigate. It's this exact bill that's about to pass the Senate, as they've voted to limit debate on it "all but assuring" it gets the rubber stamp. Also included are provisions to essentially legalize the government's actions, effectively expanding its ability to spy within our borders. Scary stuff. [Threat Level, Threat Level]

Other features include a 1/4" color Sony CCD image sensor, 380 lines of resolution, 3.7mm wide angle lens and an additional 2.4 GHz receiver. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that this thing actually functions as a hair dryer, so I fear that your covert spy missions may be short lived. Available for a staggering $514 fully loaded. [Product Page via TFTS]

For an extra £10 ($20.42) a month, you can go to a website that shows you every single place that coat has been. Now available in the UK, it must be targeted at those who place a hefty premium on total safety, control and tracking of their youngsters, because this garment costs £250.00 ($510). Or you could just relax, be a good parent and take care of your kids for free. [Bladerunner, via Ubergizmo]

Not only is this eavesdropping paraphernalia downright scary, but the clueless hosts' approval of each spy tool sends a chill down my spine. My 14-year-old daughter would never speak to me again if I pulled any of these stunts. [The Morning Show]

The picture above has us scratching our heads—doesn't the guy realize we can see him through the glass? Yeah, that's see-through glass, buddy. And that little notation about "smells cookies" on the left might reveal exactly what it is he's looking for.

The scope was originally designed for sporting events, letting you see above crowds. That explains its serious construction and $60 price. It looks quite durable, suitable for the highly mobile paintball player, and includes a carrying handle and its own strap-on case. Apparently this is a tool for those who take their office spying seriously. – Charlie White

Product Page [Think Geek]

It's also cheaper than being a sneaky sleazebag. This Orbital Electronic Listening Device will set you back $60, money that could be better used on some sensitivity training or movie tickets so you'll get out more. –Adam Frucci

Product Page [via Red Ferret]

Perhaps a hearing aid might do the same thing...? Maybe so, but it won't cost any $79.95 like this does. Anyway, both the earpiece and base unit are rechargeable, able to give you hours of snooping hijinks. Just don't be disappointed when you discover those people across the room aren't talking about you. – Charlie White

Rechargeable M-7 Secret Agent Spy Ear [Gadget Universe]

Spion Orbitor Electronic Listening Device [Uncrate]

Product Page [Via Popgadget]

The binoculars/camera feature a 8X zoom, a paltry 16MB of internal memory and an SD/MMC slot.

While you're busy taking pictures of your helpless victims from afar, may I suggest a few other items to go along with your slow descent into madness, like the video spy glasses and the ever-popular rearview mirror sunglasses?

The binoculars will retail for around $388 when they're released in Korea. – Nicholas Deleon

Digital binoculars equipped with 2M digital camera [Aving]

Privacy proponents are concerned with the evidence gathered by the drone being used in subsequent trials, and whether they will violate any privacy rights. Either way, we think people would much prefer an eye in the sky solution than being roughed up by Vic Mackey. – Jason Chen

Drones Taking a Bite Out of Crime
[Wired]

Product Page [SpyGear4U via Me, My Coke & I]

FlexiSPY [MobileMag]

'Jikimi I' Teddy bear with a hidden Camera [New Launches]

Army Picks New Killer Drone [Defense Tech]