Amnesty International developed the Detekt cyber security tool as a means of resisting surveillance from the US National Security Agency and other government organizations.
The tool, which works on Windows, scans users' computers for signs of FinFisher or Hacking Team RCS, both known commercial surveillance spyware systems. These programs allow third-parties the ability to comb through e-mails, eavesdrop on Skype conversations or even monitor the user by turning on the computer's camera and microphone.
Detekt is perfect for those who work in particularly sensitive industries, such as human rights or online journalism. If you believe you are at risk for government spying, you can protect the contents of your computer by running Detekt for traces of known spyware.
Spyware Scanning Systems
The Detekt Security Tool Allows Users to Resist Government Surveillance
Trend Themes
1. Cybersecurity Tools for Surveillance Resistance - Amnesty International's Detekt tool is part of a growing trend in developing cybersecurity tools specifically designed to resist government surveillance.
2. Spyware Detection and Removal - The development of Detekt highlights the growing need for spyware detection and removal tools in order to safeguard user privacy.
3. Protection for Sensitive Industries - The creation of tools like Detekt creates an opportunity for the development of specialized cybersecurity solutions for sensitive industries, such as human rights advocacy and online journalism.
Industry Implications
1. Human Rights Advocacy - Detekt offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies in the human rights advocacy industry by providing a specialized tool to protect sensitive data from government surveillance.
2. Online Journalism - The development of Detekt presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the online journalism industry, as it allows journalists to protect their sources and sensitive information from intrusive government surveillance.
3. Cybersecurity - The creation of tools like Detekt highlights the need for innovative approaches and technologies in the cybersecurity industry to counter and detect advanced surveillance spyware systems.