If you hook something like this to the macbook, do you get the option of selecting an external mic?
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-3-5mm-Jack-Audio-Adapter/dp/B...
Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
101–110 of 110 posts
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#102Even if the default input device is set to "Line-In" software would be able to get the audio data from any device on the system. The NSA precautions mentioned in the article are superstitious and would likely do nothing to deter anyone who had compromised your system that badly.
Is "superstitious" a euphemism for misinformation?
> Web definitions: showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance.
It always means misinformation, not just today.
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#103Earlier quoted context omitted.
Not sure if you're correct - look at the specs page [1]... it does support the Apple headset with combo microphone/headphones port. [1] http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html
Interesting! The language on the MBP specs says "Combined headphone/line in", whereas the MBA specs say "Headphone port". But you are correct: my headphones register as an audio input on the Macbook Air. I wonder if it's a very specific exception, or just an intentionially undisclosed feature (why?).
I would read "combined headphone/line in" as meaning that it would do full stereo line-level audio if you provided it. The MBA's port only works with four-pin cell phone-style headsets, as far as I know, which do mono over an extra pin while still providing stereo output.
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#104Earlier quoted context omitted.
Is "superstitious" a euphemism for misinformation?
> Web definitions: showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance. It always means misinformation, not just today.
Correct you are. Let's try this again: Is it a euphemism for disinformation?
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#105If you are really worried about this, I recommend surgery. I used to have this Windows box at work that would always make sounds for no reason, even though the sound was muted. The solution was to open it up and physically disconnect the speaker. Never made a sound again. If you don't want your computer to be used as a listening device, first try adjusting your tinfoil hat. If you're still worried, open it up and rem…
Eh, you're a little to glib here. This sort of dismissive (and imo shortsighted) response is a problem.
Let's say it's 2003 and instead of being a post about laptop internal microphones, it's about SQL injection vulnerabilities in [your favorite blogging engine]. The quick & easy response is "Oh, go adjust your tinfoil hat, do you really think you're important enough for the hackers to focus on? And if they do, don't you think they could do a little more than rely on a silly SQL injection vulnerability?"
But we know the problem with SQL injection vulnerabilities usually aren't focused hacker attacks, it's fire-and-forget script kiddie exploits that most of us have to worry about. This is no different. Not too many folks are worried about "the Agents" surreptitiously monitoring their laptop's microphone, it's some bored 14-year-old with time on his hands and an easy-to-use exploit tool.
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#106Cell phones are badly-secured always-on tracking devices with built-in microphones designed to communicate potentially sensitive data over known-insecure networks. (Start at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_hacking. ) Why are we worrying about MacBooks again?
Just because there is something worse to worry about, doesn't mean you should forget about everything else.
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#107Earlier quoted context omitted.
This is not true. The software Prey (which is designed to spy on people who have computers that have been stolen) takes covert photos and sends them without activating the light.
I just installed Prey, marked my MacBook Pro as missing, waited, and the light definitely did come on - albeit for around two seconds - while taking the webcam picture. There is no way in software to disable that LED.
I did this test as well when I first heard about Prey. The first couple times when I knew the picture was going to be taken I did not see the light.
The reason is because we can only focus on one thing at a time. While waiting for the picture I was casually browsing the net -- probably reading HN -- and only periodically looking up to watch the light. I assumed a light source would catch my peripheral vision. It had not. For the third test I stared at the camera with an unbroken focus. Sure enough, the light turned on as expected.
Net: I could not see the light unless /I was looking at the camera/. It's a side effect of how the mind works and processes information. It's also important to keep this fact in mind when building interfaces: don't alert users in places they aren't looking. They won't see it no matter how red or many sparkles you add. :)
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#108Earlier quoted context omitted.
Right -- I'm not sure about the MacBook, but in many cases the webcam led is software-directed, not hardware-directed. So a small change to the driver (or firmware) can make it record without enabling the led.
In Macs it’s directly wired to the camera. If the camera receives power the LED also receives power.
That's interesting. Seems they thought about it and chose the most secure way, then.
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#109Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is possible to use a phone as an eavesdropping device even when it is on-hook: http://www.euronet.nl/~rembert/echelon/muren/index.html#floo... (dutch)
I don't think frequency flooding works with the newer types of microphones used in modern analog phones (electret/dynamic). The article specificly mentions carbon mics, and that frequency flooding can be defeated with a capacitor.
Yes, those are 'POTS' phones, the old style variety as mentioned in the great grand parent.
Newer phones, basically anything with a bunch of electronics are not susceptible to this kind of trick.
When it was first revealed by the dutch hacker group 'hack-tic' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack-Tic) the phone company denied it could be done until there was a public demonstration.
Re: Is My MacBook Pro Always Listening?
#110Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't think frequency flooding works with the newer types of microphones used in modern analog phones (electret/dynamic). The article specificly mentions carbon mics, and that frequency flooding can be defeated with a capacitor.
Yes, those are 'POTS' phones, the old style variety as mentioned in the great grand parent. Newer phones, basically anything with a bunch of electronics are not susceptible to this kind of trick. When it was first revealed by the dutch hacker group 'hack-tic' ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack-Tic ) the phone company denied it could be done until there was a public demonstration.
Not to be argumentative, because I really appreciated that link :) but POTS stands for "plain old telephone service". It's still in use all over the place today.
The distinction is in the type of phone attached to the POTS line. It looks like it requires a combination of a carbon mic and an old, non-integrated-circuit switchhook. Something like you'd find in an old Western Electric 2500 [1].
A carbon mic has some pretty unique properties. Base output is very high, such that output is easily detected at a distance without amplification, and they're very low impedance. Even slightly newer telephone designs would use an electret style microphone. The most basic electret circuits require a capacitor, which is noted to defeat the frequency flooding attack.
1 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_500_telephone#Model_2500