there is an important difference between sending data and accepting remote control
Comment on What is xtrapath3.izatcloud.net, why does my phone connect to it?
FutileRecipe@lemmy.world 10 months agoNot a fan of how they say “we didn’t say it’s a backdoor,” but have “secretly share” in the URL and article title.
FiskFisk33@startrek.website 10 months ago
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.
FutileRecipe@lemmy.world 10 months ago
Yes, technically a backdoor listens: csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/backdoor
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.