Multiple branches of the U.S. military have purchased access to an internet monitoring tool called Augury, which claims to cover over 90 percent of the world’s internet traffic. The tool provides access to people’s email data, browsing history, and sensitive internet cookies. Sen. Ron Wyden has received a whistleblower complaint about the warrantless use and purchase of this data by NCIS, a civilian law enforcement agency. Augury is developed by cybersecurity firm Team Cymru, which obtains the data from the private sector and sells it to government and corporate customers. This raises concerns about government surveillance and data privacy.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. military branches purchase internet monitoring tool | Increased access to internet data | Enhanced monitoring capabilities, potential privacy concerns | Cybersecurity needs and criminal investigations |
| Augury platform provides access to internet data | Expansion of data available for analysis | Increased use of data analytics in cybersecurity and criminal investigations | Improved cybersecurity and threat intelligence |
| Team Cymru obtains netflow data from ISPs | Increased data sharing between ISPs and cybersecurity firms | Greater collaboration between ISPs and cybersecurity firms | Enhanced threat intelligence and network security |
| Sensitive information, such as PCAP data, accessible through Augury | Potential privacy concerns and vulnerabilities | Stricter regulations and safeguards for data privacy | Balancing security and privacy concerns |
| Whistleblower alleges warrantless use of data by NCIS | Potential misuse of data without proper authorization | Increased oversight and regulation of data usage | Protecting individual privacy rights |
| U.S. government contracts with Argonne Ridge Group for data access | Outsourcing of data procurement and management | Evolving partnerships between government agencies and private firms | Leveraging private sector expertise and resources |
| Department of Defense faces scrutiny over data purchases | Increased transparency and accountability in data procurement | Stricter regulations and oversight of government data purchases | Protecting civil liberties and constitutional rights |