We knew about the NSA’s intercepting network equipment and installing backdoor hardware before shipping it on to its intended destination. The idea, of course, was to enable easy access to networks that would otherwise hard to exploit. The NSA describes this program as one of their most productive TAO1 operations.
It’s one thing to know this but it’s nevertheless shocking to see actual pictures of them installing the hardware. The pictures are one of the most recent revelations in the on-going publication of the Snowden documents.
If you are a non-American buyer of networking equipment would you purchase from an American company? What if you are an American buyer? It’s not clear whether the vendors are complicit in this program or not but either way they should be doing everything in their power to disassociate themselves from it. Otherwise, customers will be running for the exits. Really, it’s hard to see why that’s not already happening.
If these vendors were complicit, then they’re getting what they deserve. If they weren’t, then they’ve got a real beef with the US government, which they should pursue in the courts.
Footnotes:
Tailored Access Operations.