on China and Security: Dear FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, please consider this suggestion. As you prepare your next steps consistent with the statement reported in Reuters today....(see below)
Sir, Please consider a review of the Chinese-owned (formerly Norwegian-owned) browser named OPERA.
I have observed that use of the OPERA browser is desirable in that it includes native blocking of ads, FLASH, JAVA, VIDEO, POP-UPS, and IMAGES.
However, it also
1) enables an exploit of Microsoft Security Essentials that has not been repaired by Microsoft since last summer's major security announcement. Thus use of MSE while using OPERA results in files of unknown origin of many megabytes in size while the official MSE updates are only a fraction of that size.
2) launches an undetectable tunnel when connecting to the Internet. This tunnel is only detectable after-the-fact by use of CCLeaner and is revealed by the newly created folders for cookies etc. Yes this problem has been reported to OPERA online as follows:
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What kind of problem is this?: Exploitable Security Issue
Problem summary: Hidden instance of OPERA auto-launches & running - detected only by: 1) CCleaner results and 2) MB useage meter
Description: Hidden instance of OPERA auto-launches & running upon plugging in USB modem
Steps to reproduce:
1. Plug in USB modem - do not CONNECT, do not launch OPERA. OPERA not set as default browser.
2. Run CCleaner
3. Observe OPERA files deleted - identical results to those observed after an OPERA browsing session.
Actual result: OPERA files were created at the time of USB modem plug-in without even launching the modem control app nor OPERA either. This corresponds to very many GBs of data found in the device usage record despite my personal account and profile being limited to 1.5GB per month and then blocked. So, a hidden tunnel is being auto-launched under a separate profile and using double-digit GBs on a 3G prepaid network account limited to 1.5GB. Harddrive activity LED flickers like crazy even when idle.
Expected result: Let me control a single instance of log-on and off.
MORE: the high GB metered problem has been a multi-month problem that I initially assumed was simply a telemetrics error by the host network VirginMobile. since I never experienced a premature data use block. It is only by accident I ran CCleaner upon plug-in of the USB modem one morning. My practice is to run it after after each browse session.
I have searched in forums using: terms: hidden, instance, duplicate instance, hidden instance, auto-launch
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Sir,
You are concerned about privacy and security both. So am I.
You staff review of this anomaly would be of benefit to your goals.
Respectfully,
FrmrVZguy
REFERENCES
reuters.com
MARCH 23, 2018 / FCC chief cites concerns on spy threats from Chinese telecoms firms WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said he shares the concerns of U.S. lawmakers about espionage threats from Chinese smartphone maker Huawei Technologies Co and plans to take “proactive steps” to ensure the integrity of the U.S. communications supply chain...
telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com
Opera Software changes name to Otello Corporation The company sold its key internet browser business, known as Opera, in 2016. REUTERS | December 18, 2017, 15:50 IST OSLO: Norway's Opera Software has changed its name to Otello Corporation, it said in a statement on Monday. The developer of software for advertising, telecoms, games and other online business also plans to change its current OPERA ticker on the Oslo Bourse, although a new trading symbol has not yet been created, it added. The company sold its key internet browser business, known as Opera, in 2016... |
