We think the Hamburglar is behind this one...

For the three weeks between July 25 and Aug. 14, 2008, kids can collect official Spy Gear gadgets with the purchase of a Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal at participating McDonald's restaurants.

Kids can embark on imaginative spy missions using six new Spy Gear toys offered exclusively at McDonald's: Secret Wrist Beam, Spy Guard Motion Alarm, Spy Disc Defender, Invisible Message Pen, Rear View Spy Scope and Mobile Message Bot.

The Spy Gear Happy Meal is timed with Wild Planet's 10th anniversary of making spy toys, and precedes the release of the company's first Spy Gear board games, Spy Trackdown and Spy Wire. (more)

"In becoming accustomed to such toys and the pleasures they bring, the seeds of an amoral and suspicious adulthood are unwittingly being cultivated." (more)

Almost everything you wanted to know about WIRETAPPING

"DIY Wiretapping:
The Ultimate Guide
(And How to Fight Back)"
via ITsecurity.com

Even if you aren't involved in a criminal case or illegal operation, it's incredibly easy to set up a wiretap or surveillance system on any type of phone. Don't be surprised to learn that virtually anyone could be spying on you for any reason.

How to Wiretap
Did you think wiretapping was just for the FBI and mobsters? It's actually so easy that we can show you how to install and manage different wiretapping systems yourself...
(11 "tips" revealed)

Fighting Back
Defend yourself against wiretappers and spies by following these tips. You'll be able to determine if someone is eavesdropping on your home phone, cell phone or VoIP calls.
(13 "tips" revealed... including this one.)

• Check for any suspicious wires running from your phone: Spybusters LLC, a company that performs eavesdropping-detection audits, explains on its Web site the different types of wires your phone should have and which ones indicate wiretapping.
(more)

Extra Credit...
Listen Up: 17 Signs That You Are Being Wiretapped
Is someone listening to your private calls? Know the warning signs.

The Low-Tech Spy #186 - Bugs Stink

Turn your iPhone sideways, and "Open Channel D"

The Incredible World of SPY-Fi: Wild and Crazy Spy Gadgets, Props, and Artifacts from TV and the Movies
by Danny Biederman

from Publishers weekly...
Even people who aren’t big spy movie fans know that James Bond gets to play with some great gadgets. The same goes for the casts of Mission: Impossible, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and I Spy.

Biederman has been immersed in the spy world, at least as Hollywood depicts it, from the time of his youth in the 1960s, when he was introduced to a world of "spies, gadgets, adventure, and beautiful women—everything that a ten-year-old boy could possibly want."

Since then he has collected over 4,000 props from various sets, amassing such an impressive trove that in 2000 the CIA asked him to exhibit it at its headquarters.

This book tells the story of each TV series and movie through Biederman’s props, which range from the coat hook used in U.N.C.L.E. to open a secret passageway, to the gold sofa that adorned James West’s private railroad car in The Wild Wild West.

"...and, the 'Best Use of Spycam Technology' award goes to..."

Bird House Spy Cam
"Watch ‘em, but don’t touch ‘em!"

"Our Hawk Eye Nature Cam will open up undiscovered worlds of bird and wildlife behavior. Once you buy one of our wildlife monitoring cams, it probably won't be long before you buy another and another." (more)

Movies made with birdhouse spycams...
- Bats
- Baby Owls
- Flying Squirrel
- Baby Squirrels
- Hummingbirds
- Spooky Owls
- Baby birds feeding
- Squirrels

Can't get enough Spy Toy news?

Click here.

"But, Mom. I didn't know it was illegal!"

To celebrate 10 years of making spy toys, Wild Planet is redesigning the Spy Gear brand look and logo, upgrading its most popular items, introducing 10 new products and releasing the first Spy Gear board games.

"We attribute Spy Gear's success to our ability to incorporate advanced, real-world technology into old-fashioned, classic play," says Daniel Grossman, CEO and founder of Wild Planet.

"Pretending to be a spy is not a new idea," explains Grossman, "but having a real, working remote-controlled spy vehicle that transmits video and audio back to a private headset -- that's a new way to play spy."

The Spy Video ATV-360 is one of the new Spy Gear releases scheduled for fall 2008. A follow-up to the brand's original Spy Video Car launched in 2006, the Spy Video ATV-360 will be the first remote-controlled Spy Gear vehicle to offer video and audio transmission, full-circle spin control, and tank tracks for a mass retail price of $99. (more)

Dan, Wild Planet really needs to re-think this one - at least for U.S. sales. Federal and state laws prohibiting electronic audio spying have been on the books here since 1968.

Idea: Hire an attorney or security consultant - who specializes in electronic surveillance matters - avoid a costly recall and lawsuits.

Listen Up

The TV ad for this electronic amplifier starts of innocently. "Do you sometimes disturb others while you watch TV?"

Then, it turns creepy.

"Listen to a pin drop from across the room. Or, listen into a conversation from across the street."

Headphones would solve the TV problem. And, if you feel the need to hear pins drop from across the room the only electronics you need might be shock therapy.

Several more references to eavesdropping follow. (scene: a health club) "Ever wonder what people are talking about across the room?" (video)

There oughtabealaw!
There is a law. "Manufacture, distribution, possession, and advertising of wire, oral, or electronic communication intercepting devices prohibited" But, if you are a follower of this Security Scrapbook you know that the law is not being enforced.

This item is not much of a threat in corporate and government circles. However, many of the other eavesdropping devices you read about here are being used.

Moral: It is up to you to protect your privacy.
All we can do is help.

Sow, Reap & Weep

Remember these stories?
• "I'm dreaming of a Spy Christmas..."
• Christmas Toys Which Teach (somesorta) Lessons
• More bugs for your kids...
• The Kids Spy Back
If so, you knew this was coming...

"My 9-year-old was given a spying device for Christmas. It has a sensitive microphone so he can eavesdrop, unnoticed, on others' conversations. He can't resist using it even though he gets in trouble when he gets caught. What should we do?"

(answer from Beth Palmer - The Rocky Mountain News)
This toy might be too much temptation for most kids.

If you've been clear about what's inappropriate and he's had consequences when he crosses the line, he isn't ready to have the toy. Take it away. Explain that when he is able to resist the temptation of invading others' privacy, then he can try again.

Do the best thing for your child even though he may protest that it's not fair. Exercise good judgment, especially when your son can't. (more)

The Kids Spy Back

(from the seller's web site...)
Ideal snooper robot comes fully assembled and is fully remote controlled. Capable of entering a room undetected it will listen in on conversations then transmit them to up 150 feet away to the listening receiver. (more)

For those long, lonely surveillances...

Just in time for holiday gift-giving. "You gotta slop, bop, flip flop, hip hop, never stop." Be a 21st Century Dovell Electronic Bubble-Wrap'er!

...from the website...
One of the single greatest gifts (and curses) to anyone who is a little anal retentive is bubble wrap. Sure it's good for protecting packages, but the real joy is popping each and every bubble. You can't let even one survive or your mission as bubble popper has failed. But what happens when you desire the joy of popping bubble wrap but don't have the time to invest in popping a full 60' roll? Welcome to the future, my friends; electronic bubble wrap is here.

Each keychain device has 8 rubbery little "bubble" buttons. They have a pretty close tactile feel to actual bubble wrap. Guess what happens when you push one? That's right, you hear a little pop. In a nutshell, that is the simple beauty of the electronic bubble wrap keychain. But there is one bonus, and here's where the OCD can kick in a little. Every 100th "pop" is not a pop at all, but a silly sound: a boing, a bark, a rude noise, etc. And since you can easily pop (pun intended) the keychain in your pocket, you'll always have bubble wrap when you need it most (you know, like when your boss starts talking). (more) (movie)

...and skipped Asia due to redundancy issues.

An amusement park with a spy theme is planned as part of a major entertainment complex in Spain...

The park, named Spyland, will be part of a massive leisure complex called Gran Scala that is being planned for the Zaragoza province of Spain. The entertainment district is expected to include 32 casinos, four theme parks, mega-hotels, shopping and other attractions. Construction on Spyland is scheduled to start in late 2008, with a projected opening date of 2010...

Spyland will be a family attraction with rides and interactive activities based on the history of secret agents around the world. Visitors will be able to play the role of spy, undertake missions, collect clues and infiltrate fictitious borders as they move through six zones in the park, including a small water park called Aquantica. Guests will also be able to test technologies used in spying. Stunt shows will be based on the escapades of real spies.

Developers originally tried but failed to get permission to build Spyland in Dubai or France... (more)

"I'm dreaming of a Spy Christmas..."

Consumer Reports magazine had 40 children check out the "fun factor” in 24 toys, priced less than $10 to $200, to determine the hot holiday sellers this year. The top four toys overall ranged from a racing timer to a magnifying handheld "bionic eye” to a remote-controlled vehicle equipped with a "spycam.” The children in the test ranged in ages from 6 through 12. (more)
FutureWatch: The next generation of spies is in the pipeline!

Neat K.I.T.T.

New Zealand - A roving spycam you can access and drive from your cellphone has emerged from a Palmerston North student's honors project.

Massey University engineering student Tom Yu Guan completed his university studies with the Smart Eyes robot - a remote controlled car with a video phone that can be accessed by a second phone anywhere in the world.

Mr Guan said there was nothing on the market with this range or flexibility. The car could be driven and video accessed as long as there was cellphone coverage.

Wellington private investigator Tony Lowe had been involved in surveillance for more than 20 years and said it was a brilliant idea. (more) (more)

Ditch the Grid - Black Hole Your Cell - $12.00

If you are concerned about people or governments covertly turning your cell phone 'on' and listening to you behind your back, this is for you!

Smother your mobile in The Black Hole. No one will be able to eavesdrop or know you location. Your phone will become deaf, dumb and blind.

Or, you could just turn your phone off. Ok, pluck out the battery, too. Heck, go all out, a la Unibomber or Clifford Stoll (buy one of his Klein Steins, too). Shun technology altogether! (more)

Eavesdropping Becomes a Game Skill

Video game review: 'Assassin's Creed' smooth but repetitive...

"Assassin's” is terrific entertainment for perhaps the first couple hours, as you free-run frolic and notice sparkling little tweaks to generic third-person action.

You eavesdrop to find your targets and rescue locals who can aid post-assassination escapes..." (more)

Spybusters Tip #105 - Cheap Bug Detector

We hear from one countersurveillance expert... "This little device is pretty good for the price."

"What do it do?" you ask.

Basically, it attempts to detect radio bugs and wireless video transmitters located in your immediate area.
Claims from the web site...
Privacy Safe Keychain Wireless Video and Tap RF Detector.
• Key chain wireless detector is easy to carry with you so you can feel confident in the office, bedroom or dressing room
• Innovative high technology device keeps you safe from wireless wiretap and video cameras
• Detectable radio frequency width 30MHz - 2.4GHz with a responding distance of 10–15’
• Super-bright blue LED light for emergency or illumination use
• 0.4"Hx2.3"Wx1.2"D

As with most bug detection efforts, you will get what you pay for.
• Gadgets buy a false sense of security.
• Professional sweeps buy peace of mind.
In this case, if you find anything at all, the $14.99 you paid for it is well spent. (more)

SpyToy Alert - Voice Recorders hidden in pens

Key Specifications:
• Hidden LED indicators in pen
• USB flash drive (capacity: 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB)
• MP3 / WMA player
• Digital voice recorder / player
• Built-in rechargeable battery
• Play MP3 for 5+ hours
• Record voice for over 6 hours
• Standby time over 20 days
• Color: black or silver
• Size: 150 x 16mm
• Weight: 60g
• and, of course, the pen writes! (more) (more)

Be alert to the possibility of someone covertly recording you.
• Does the pen look funny?
• Watch how they handle and position their pen.
• Do they leave the pen behind when they leave the room?
• Ask to use their pen. What is its center of gravity?
• Watch their reaction.

One on-line seller actively promotes recording meetings.
1. "Bring your digital voice recorder pen to your next meeting."
2. "Start recording your conversation."
3. "Plug your pen recorder into the USB on any computer to listen and save audio recordings." (more)

Just when you thought your prohibition against bringing USB memory sticks into sensitive work areas was working...

"In lieu of lighter fluid and a flint, this lighter uses resistance coils to create heat. It’s the same technology found in car lighters.

The small rechargeable battery cell powering the coil can be recharged via USB. On top of that, there’s some flash memory in there to store files. Designer: Nathan Gabriele (more)

Although this particular camo-stick is still stuck in Nathan's brain as a concept piece, real camo-sticks available for sticking in your computer. Some are outragious. Some are clever. The last one could really cause you problems if it were repackaged.
• The Memory Stick Stick
• The Top 10 weirdest USB drives ever
• Stick Doll
• Sushi
• Watch
• Swiss Army Knife USB
• Keystroke Logging "Memory Stick"
• Mini-mini I & Mini-mini II
• The "pull my finger" Thumb Drive
AND
• The Snoopstick! A memory stick that inserts spyware code to allow remote eavesdropping.








(more)

Aerial Spy News

Germany - The third of five planned German high-resolution SAR-Lupe radar reconnaissance satellites was successfully launched Nov. 1 by a Russian Cosmos-3M rocket. (more)

The fly's a spy - UST below a half-opened garage door a tiny device can be seen at the feet of someone lurking in the shadows. It looks like a blue dragonfly. Then its miniature wings begin to flap as it slips under the door and darts along the street. After rising through the air it stops to hover outside the window of a building several stories high. There is an opening on the roof, and it slips inside. As it flits from room to room its video-camera “eye” transmits pictures to a screen on a remote-control unit strapped to the wrist of its clandestine operator.

This is not a scene from a James Bond film, in which 007 tests a new device from “Q”, but an animated video produced by Onera, France's national aerospace centre, to explain REMANTA, a project to develop the technologies needed for miniature robotic aircraft. More bug-like flying devices are being developed in other research laboratories around the world. (more) (video)

Forget Valerie Plame...

Forget OS X 10.5...

The Spy Museum 2007 Holiday Catalog gets 'outted' today!

That's right, folks. Their cover is blown and everyone is after this document! Over 200 of the world's most wanted spy gadgets, clothing, toys, games, books and music ("there's a man who leads a life of danger...") (more)

This just in... "I'm not going away."

Rat Race - Art Immitates Life

Rat Race, an episodic comedy adventure (Sony PS3 computer game) set in a crazy sitcom styled office. ... Rat Race is described thusly: "Sometimes we describe Rat Race as an interactive sitcom, but that doesn’t do it justice. There’s more to the experience than funny dialogue. Along the way you’ll sneak, sprint, solve puzzles, eavesdrop, steal..." (more)
...not to mention your kids will learn sarcasm, wisecracking and generally poor workplace etiquette.
Out just in time for the holiday season.
"Ho, ho, ho!"
Hey, who you callin' a Ho?!?!

Snitch Bear for Santa Moms

Nakamiki Children GSM Cell Phone
"Easy for Parents to Keep an Eye on Their Kids at School"
--------
"Boo-boo" is a new type of cell phone being marketed to the world from a company in China. The marketing logic being used is that somehow eavesdropping on children will make them safer when at school.

Faulty logic?
Think about this...
- What will teachers think about having their classrooms bugged?
- Who else will buy these, gut the bear and use the entrails to bug?
- What psychological effect does this have on these kids?
- Will bugging and eavesdropping seem seem morally normal to their whole generation twenty years from now?
(more) (more)

Ripley's, Tracy, Bond or iClone... you decide.

"Welcome to the future! The M500 Cellwatch ™is the world's smallest mobile watch phone. Keeping time and keeping Contact will never be the same again.

The M500 Cellwatch™ takes mobile communications to a whole new level. With over 80 hours standby time, full sms functionality, full blue tooth compatibility, Internet Browser, WAP, GPRS, MMS, Mp3 Mp4 Player, Flight Mode, A2DP Stereo Sound, 128 Mb Memory, USB and Data Cable for connectivity and software uploads and downloads, 300 number memory storage and its sleek sophisticated design make this the world's first truly mobile Cellwatch™.

The following dates are now the confirmed delivery dates for the M500. South Africa, October 25th 2007, Australia October 25th 2007, USA October 25th 2007, Europe October 25th 2007. All Internet Orders, due to the long wait by many customers, will be commencing October 19th 2007 and be shipped by Fedex from Hong Kong." (more) (more) (video)
This pegs both my Technolustmeter and Dorkometer:)

SpyCam Story #383 - HAL Makes House Calls

The ConnectR “Virtual Visiting Robot” is simultaneously an interesting and creepy device. Designed to enable real-time “virtual visits” over the Internet, the robot combines a nanny cam, an internet phone and an RC car. Users set up the robot in their home, and via the internet, control the audio/video camera-equipped robot, moving it around the home, using the video camera to look around, and the speakers to talk to people or pets within the home. (more)(more)

FlySpies - Coming to a Window Near You

(more videos)

Do It Yourself Sky Spies - The Draganflyer

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) like the military's MQ-1 Predator and local government's SkySeer are meant to protect us. They cost a lot of money.


The flip side of the coin... Industrial Espionage on the cheap!

UAVs are easy to make. Many hobbyists are already doing so - and showing off their aerial surveillance videos on YouTube! Many of these videos were shot using a Draganflyer - a hobbyist helicopter outfitted with a wireless video camera.

From Draganflyer's advertising... "Whether you need high quality aerial video for a sporting event, advertising, or any other purpose you will get it done efficiently and professionally with the Draganflyer SAVS."

While we don't believe they were thinking about industrial espionage 'other purposes', just imagine one flying over your sensitive production facilities, new construction site, or a personally private area. (more video)

Cutting Edge Spies

Gillette has launched a campaign site as part of a campaign for its new Fusion Power Stealth range.

The site includes a spy mission game, involving streamed briefing videos complete with 3D animations, an interactive game and chance to win a trip to a spy school.

The brand has been integrated into the site by challenging the 'spy' users to help recover a stolen razor.

As well as the main game mission, the website provides a breakdown of the stolen gadget's features and has a prominent 'tell a friend' mechanic, where you can 'recruit' others.

Spies can also keep a track on their fellow 'spooks' via a timed leader board. (more) (site)

Break Time - Play Security Problem Excuse Bingo

Please come back after your BINGO BREAK.

"To help vendors focus on their obligations here, Jutta Degener and I present Security Problem Excuse Bingo. Usual bingo rules apply, with vendor press releases, news interviews, and legal notices used as source material. Cards can be generated and downloaded from www.crypto.com/bingo/pr

Because we follow all industry standard practices, you can rest assured that there are no bugs in this software. We take security very seriously." ~ Matt Blaze

Reverse Engineer Your Spy Ear

- You can buy a Spy Ear for a dollar! (or less)

- It can amplify sounds up to 60 dB or a factor of a 100.

- It has a self limiting property and adjusts the gain so that the amplified signal volume is always just right.

- It runs of two LR44 1.5 volt button cell alkaline battery, so it's perfect for portable projects.

- Many of today's projects, such as in robotics, require analogue front end for sensing the environment and the Spy Ear circuit is just right to fill in as a multi-purpose front end amplifier.

- It is simple enough to reverse engineer.

So, the Spy Ear is a fantastic cheap, small and rugged circuit for modding and hacking! (more)