FIVE EYES SPY AGENCIES PLANNED TO HACK SAMSUNG AND GOOGLES MOBILE SUPPORT

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 20:01 | Written by: Gavin Wood

Five Eyes Spy Agencies Planned To Hack Samsung And Googles Mobile Support
Five Eyes Spy Agencies Planned To Hack Samsung And Googles Mobile Support

Imagine a world where your smartphone, your constant companion, isn't so private after all.A world where your every app download, every data connection, and every seemingly innocent click could be monitored and potentially manipulated by powerful government agencies. From sharing spooks to secret technology everything you need to know about the Five Eyes alliance. The intelligence network of secret services that includes MI5 and WashingtonThis isn't a scene from a dystopian novel, but rather a reality revealed in leaked top-secret documents detailing the activities of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. The Five Eyes is made up of Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand which originally evolved from a secret World War Two alliance between British and U.S. cypher and code breaking teams. In 2025, a signals intelligence agreement was signed between Britain and the U.S. which was later extended to the other three countries.This alliance, comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reportedly launched a surveillance unit, the Network Tradecraft Advancement Team (NTAT), with the aim of hacking into smartphones via major app stores like Google Play and Samsung's app store. A multinational government group known as the Five Eyes intelligence alliance the spy group comprising Canada, the U.S, Britain, Australia and New Zealand planned to hack Android phonesThe goal?To implant spyware and gain access to a wealth of user data. Google's service, offered free of charge, instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.This revelation raises serious questions about privacy, security, and the extent to which governments are willing to go in the name of national security. Enjoy millions of the latest Android apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, magazines more. Anytime, anywhere, across your devices.What vulnerabilities were exploited? A top-secret NSA document, which was recently shared by Edward Snowden with the CBC, shows a joint plan to by intelligence agencies in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to hijack Google's and Samsung's app stores to install malware that could be used for surveillance purposes.How were users targeted?And, most importantly, what can you do to protect yourself?This article delves into the details of this clandestine operation, exploring the methods used, the potential impact, and the steps you can take to safeguard your digital life.

Unveiling the Network Tradecraft Advancement Team (NTAT)

The Network Tradecraft Advancement Team (NTAT) was a covert surveillance unit established by the Five Eyes alliance.Its primary objective was to find and exploit vulnerabilities in mobile technology to gather intelligence. A top secret document, obtained by CBC News shows the Five Eyes intelligence alliance exploited weaknesses in UC Browser and planned to hack into smartphones via links [ ]The team focused on intercepting data streams between users and app stores, with the ultimate goal of injecting malware onto smartphones.This malware could then be used to monitor user activity, steal sensitive information, and potentially control the device remotely.

The existence of NTAT highlights the evolving landscape of intelligence gathering. Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for.In an increasingly digital world, smartphones have become treasure troves of personal information, making them prime targets for surveillance.The creation of a dedicated unit like NTAT underscores the importance that intelligence agencies place on mobile intelligence gathering.

The Google Play and Samsung App Store Hack Plan

One of the most alarming aspects of the leaked documents is the revelation that the Five Eyes alliance specifically targeted the Google Play Store and Samsung's app store. The vital Five Eyes intelligence sharing system is being undermined by US incompetence, as revealed by the Signal messaging scandal in Washington, World affairs editor Sam Kiley writes Stay up toThe plan involved hijacking data links to these app stores and redirecting users to compromised servers.This would allow the intelligence agencies to intercept app downloads and inject malware into the installation packages.

This type of attack, known as a ""man-in-the-middle"" attack, is particularly dangerous because it is difficult for users to detect.The user believes they are downloading a legitimate app from a trusted source, but in reality, they are unknowingly installing spyware onto their device.This underscores the need for robust security measures and constant vigilance when downloading apps.

How the Hack Worked: A Technical Overview

The technical details of the planned hack are complex, but the basic principle involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the way smartphones communicate with app store servers. Western secret agencies partnership known as the Five Eyes launched a surveillance unit called Network Tradecraft Advancement Team (NTAT) to spy on smartphone users as well as a majorThe Five Eyes aimed to intercept these communications and insert their own malicious code into the data stream.This could be achieved through various methods, including:

  • DNS Spoofing: Redirecting users to fake app store servers controlled by the intelligence agencies.
  • SSL Stripping: Downgrading the security of the connection to allow for easier interception of data.
  • Malware Injection: Inserting malicious code into app installation packages before they are downloaded by users.

Once the malware is installed on a user's device, it can perform a wide range of malicious activities, including:

  • Monitoring User Activity: Tracking phone calls, text messages, emails, and web browsing history.
  • Stealing Sensitive Information: Accessing passwords, financial data, and other personal information.
  • Activating the Microphone and Camera: Recording audio and video without the user's knowledge or consent.
  • Tracking Location: Monitoring the user's whereabouts in real-time.

Exploiting Vulnerabilities in UC Browser

Beyond the app store hack, the leaked documents also revealed that the Five Eyes exploited vulnerabilities in UC Browser, a popular mobile browser particularly prevalent in developing countries. The so-called Five Eyes intelligence alliance the spy group comprising Canada, the U, Britain, Australia and New Zealand specifically sought ways to find and hijack data links to servers used by Google and Samsung 039;s mobile app stores, according to the document obtained by Snowden.UC Browser, despite its large user base, has been criticized for its weak security practices.The intelligence agencies allegedly used these weaknesses to inject malware onto users' devices through compromised links and websites.

This highlights the importance of choosing reputable and secure mobile browsers. Remember, if you use it for illegal activities, you will face serious consequences from authorities. Therefore, use spy apps only for legitimate purposes. In this article, we list the top spy apps you can use on your Android and iOS devices. Top 10 best cell phone spy apps Quick listWhile UC Browser may offer certain features or benefits, its security vulnerabilities make it a risky choice for users who are concerned about their privacy and security.

Edward Snowden and the Leaked Documents

The revelations about the Five Eyes' hacking activities came to light thanks to the efforts of Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor. Canada and its spying partners exploited weaknesses in one of the world's most popular mobile browsers and planned to hack into smartphones via links to Google and Samsung app stores, a top secretSnowden leaked a trove of classified documents to journalists, exposing widespread surveillance programs conducted by the NSA and its allies.These documents provided concrete evidence of the Five Eyes' plans to hack into smartphones via the Google Play Store, Samsung's app store, and UC Browser.

Snowden's leaks sparked a global debate about the balance between national security and individual privacy. NSA and Other Spy Agencies Hijack Android Google Play Store to Install Spyware on Smartphones 1 Trusted Cybersecurity News Platform Followed by 5.20 millionWhile some argue that surveillance is necessary to protect against terrorism and other threats, others contend that it violates fundamental human rights and erodes trust in government.

The Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance: A Brief History

The Five Eyes alliance is a long-standing intelligence partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Western spy agencies attempted to redirect user connections to smartphone app stores to plant malware and tamper with data traffic, according to new documents leaked by former United States National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden.Its origins can be traced back to World War II, when the US and UK collaborated on codebreaking and intelligence sharing. Stay updated with the latest news and stories from around the world on Google News.Over the years, the alliance expanded to include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, forming a powerful network for gathering and sharing intelligence on a global scale.

The Five Eyes alliance operates on the principle of mutual cooperation and trust.Member countries share intelligence with each other, collaborate on surveillance operations, and provide each other with access to their respective intelligence resources.This close collaboration allows the Five Eyes to collect a vast amount of intelligence from around the world.

The Implications for User Privacy and Security

The revelations about the Five Eyes' hacking activities have serious implications for user privacy and security. Contact Samsung Support Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.The fact that intelligence agencies are actively targeting smartphones and app stores raises concerns about the vulnerability of personal data and the potential for government overreach. Google Arts Culture features content from over 2025 leading museums and archives who have partnered with the Google Cultural Institute to bring the world's treasures online.If governments are willing to exploit vulnerabilities in mobile technology to gather intelligence, what safeguards are in place to protect the privacy of ordinary citizens?

The Five Eyes app store hack plan highlights the need for stronger security measures and greater transparency in the mobile ecosystem. When did Samsung know, and when was it fixed? According to Kryptowire, the CVE- vulnerability was disclosed to Samsung on Novem and given a High severity rating by Samsung.App stores need to implement more robust security checks to prevent the distribution of malware, and users need to be more aware of the risks involved in downloading apps.Governments also need to be more transparent about their surveillance activities and provide greater oversight to ensure that they are not violating the privacy rights of their citizens.

How to Protect Your Smartphone from Surveillance

While the revelations about the Five Eyes' hacking activities may be alarming, there are steps you can take to protect your smartphone from surveillance. An example of Five Eyes intelligence sharing is the fact that the Australian Signals Directorate, the government division most involved in Five Eyes, was able to request access to private internet data through the US National Security Agency s PRISM program. PRISM taps into private online activity through ubiquitous companies like GoogleBy implementing basic security measures and practicing good digital hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by intelligence agencies or other malicious actors.

Practical Steps for Smartphone Security

Here are some actionable steps you can take to improve your smartphone security:
  1. Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Install the latest security patches and updates from Google or Samsung.These updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
  2. Use a Strong Password or Biometric Authentication: Avoid using weak or easily guessable passwords.Instead, use a strong password that is at least 12 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.Alternatively, use biometric authentication, such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, to unlock your device.
  3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging in. Five Eyes specifically sought ways to find and hijack data links to servers used by Google and Samsung s mobile app stores [trying] to find ways to implant spyware on smartphones byEnable 2FA for all of your important accounts, such as your email, social media, and banking accounts.
  4. Be Careful What You Download: Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store or Samsung's app store.Before downloading an app, check its reviews and ratings, and make sure that it is developed by a reputable company. The National Security Agency and its closest allies planned to hijack data links to Google and Samsung app stores to infect smartphones with spyware, a top-secret document reveals. The surveillance project was launched by a joint electronic eavesdropping unit called the Network Tradecraft Advancement Team, which includes spies from each of theBe wary of apps that request excessive permissions, such as access to your contacts, location, or microphone.
  5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a different location, making it more difficult for intelligence agencies or other malicious actors to track your online activity. Australia s spy agencies, along with those of the United States, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, planned to hijack the Google and Samsung app stores to implant spyware on phones. AUse a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as these networks are often unsecured and vulnerable to eavesdropping.
  6. Review App Permissions: Regularly review the permissions that you have granted to your apps.Revoke any permissions that are not necessary for the app to function properly.For example, if an app does not need access to your location, revoke its location permission.
  7. Be Wary of Phishing Attacks: Phishing attacks are attempts to trick you into revealing your personal information, such as your password or credit card number.Be wary of emails or text messages that ask you to click on a link or provide personal information.Always verify the sender's identity before clicking on any links or providing any information.
  8. Disable Location Services When Not Needed: Limit the amount of time your location services are turned on, and when they are on, use the setting ""only while using the app"" instead of ""always"".

When did Samsung Know about Vulnerabilities?

While the documents revealed a plan to exploit vulnerabilities, it is important to note that companies like Samsung are constantly working to improve their security.For example, Kryptowire reported a CVE vulnerability was disclosed to Samsung in November of a certain year, and Samsung gave it a ""High"" severity rating.This suggests a commitment to addressing security concerns. Samsung Canada Customer Service is here for you with services like Door to Door repair service, technical support, live chat, FAQs and How-to videos.This highlights the constant cat-and-mouse game between those seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and those working to patch them.

The Future of Mobile Security and Surveillance

The revelations about the Five Eyes' hacking activities raise important questions about the future of mobile security and surveillance.As technology continues to evolve, intelligence agencies will likely develop new and more sophisticated methods for gathering intelligence from smartphones and other mobile devices.It is therefore essential for users to stay informed about the latest security threats and take proactive steps to protect their privacy.

The future of mobile security will likely involve a combination of technical solutions, such as improved encryption and authentication methods, and policy changes, such as greater transparency and oversight of government surveillance activities.It is also important for users to be more aware of the risks involved in using mobile technology and to adopt a more security-conscious mindset.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Actionable Advice

The Five Eyes' planned hacks on Google and Samsung app stores are a stark reminder of the importance of digital security and privacy in the modern age. The jitters over sharing differ depending on whether it has to do with HUMINT or SIGINT.The bond between agencies like the CIA and Britain s MI6 is deep. We share more with each other than weThe revelations from the leaked documents highlight the lengths to which governments will go to gather intelligence, and the vulnerability of our personal data in an increasingly interconnected world. The Five Eyes alliance, which is a remarkable Five Eyes intelligence alliance, was established during World War II as a means for the United Kingdom and the United States to collaborate on intelligence gathering and sharing. Over the years, it expanded to include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, thereby forming a unique network dedicated toWhile the situation may seem daunting, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.Here are the key takeaways:

  • The Five Eyes alliance actively sought to exploit vulnerabilities in mobile technology.
  • The Google Play Store and Samsung's app store were specifically targeted.
  • UC Browser was exploited due to its weak security practices.
  • You can take steps to protect your smartphone from surveillance.
  • Stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices.

By implementing the security measures outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by intelligence agencies or other malicious actors.Remember, your digital privacy is worth protecting.Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take control of your digital security.Consider exploring resources like Google News for up-to-date information on security threats and best practices.If you have concerns about your Samsung device specifically, reach out to Samsung Support for assistance.

Gavin Wood can be reached at [email protected].

Articles tagged with "Basel Committee requires banks to disclose cryptoasset exposures" (0 found)

No articles found with this tag.

← Back to article

Related Tags

cointelegraph.com › news › five-eyes-spy-agencies'Five Eyes' Spy Agencies Planned to Hack Samsung and Google's www.benton.org › headlines › nsa-planned-hijackNSA Planned to Hijack Google App Store to Hack Smartphones www.itnews.com.au › news › five-eyes-spies-sought-toFive Eyes spies sought to subvert Google, Samsung app stores techraptor.net › technology › newsNSA Planned to Hijack Google and Samsung App Stores 9to5google.com › guides › five-eyesFive Eyes - 9to5Google www.smartcompany.com.au › technology › plan-byPlan by intelligence agencies to hack Google and Samsung app www.studocu.com › en-ca › documentSpy Agencies Target Mobile Phones: Insights from Unit 2 www.cbc.ca › news › canadaSpy agencies target mobile phones, app stores to implant translate.google.comGoogle Translate thehackernews.com › 2025 › 05Spy Agencies Hijack Google Play Store to Install Spyware on www.google.co.inGoogle 9to5google.com › › government-plan-hackNew Snowden files: Intelligence agencies planned to hack www.google.co.za › indexGoogle play.google.comAndroid Apps on Google Play www.samsung.com › us › supportWhat to do if your Samsung Galaxy phone has been hacked christophegaron.com › articles › mindWhat Is Five Eyes? Understanding the Five Eyes Intelligence www.tomsguide.com › news › major-securityMajor security vulnerability found in Samsung phones what bbc.bm › factbox-what-is-the-five-eyesFactbox-What is the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance? www.samsung.com › ca › supportProduct Help Support - Samsung ca journalonworldaffairs.org › › all-eyes-onAll Eyes on You: Five Eyes Explained Journal on World

Comments