Comment on What is xtrapath3.izatcloud.net, why does my phone connect to it?

Darkassassin07@lemmy.ca ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

• scarilog@lemmy.world ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

  Tldr it’s used to make initial GPS fix faster by getting satellite positioning information.

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• FutileRecipe@lemmy.world ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

  Not a fan of how they say “we didn’t say it’s a backdoor,” but have “secretly share” in the URL and article title.

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  • Darkassassin07@lemmy.ca ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

    A backdoor would imply some sort of external control I’d think, a much broader potential for harm.

    Being able to command a device to send you info or perform tasks is different than the device sending info of its own accord.

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    • FutileRecipe@lemmy.world ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

      A backdoor would imply some sort of external control I’d think…

      Yes, technically a backdoor listens: csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/backdoor

      Being able to command a device to send you info or perform tasks is different than the device sending info of its own accord.

      In this context, where it’s implied to send without the owner’s knowledge (ignoring the fact it’s documented), not really. The article screams “gotcha!” when in reality it didn’t, so they’re trying to backtrack and downplay their initial response. But I do appreciate their update, it’s just got a PR spin to it.

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  • FiskFisk33@startrek.website ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

    there is an important difference between sending data and accepting remote control

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• macattack@lemmy.world ⁨10⁩ ⁨months⁩ ago

  That’s a good read, especially the additional context at the bottom of the article.

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