Bombshell leaves tech world mum, numb

Silicon Valley silent on leaks that, if true, could rock industry

SAN FRANCISCO The tech industry just can’t shake the ghost of Edward Snowden.

Nearly a year after a unified front of companies fought the FBI’s attempt to hack the encrypted iPhone of a terrorist, the biggest consumer tech names ( Apple, Samsung, Google, Microsoft) are facing a deep and multi-fronted new series of allegations that federal authorities can override their best efforts at security.

Thousands of documents published by WikiLeaks on Tuesday describe an arsenal of CIA hacking tools that can turn iPhone and Android smartphones, TVs, computers and other coveted consumer products into “covert microphones.”

The data trove threatens to reprise the public distrust of tech companies that hit a peak when ex- federal contractor Snowden revealed NSA spying and collaboration between the government and Internet and phone companies used by millions. Tech companies have been trying to repair the brand damage since.

On Tuesday, the CIA issued a statement declining to comment on the “purported” documents. USA TODAY has not yet been able to confirm the authenticity of the documents.

So far, Silicon Valley has responded with resounding silence to the latest bombshell. Microsoft, Google, Samsung and WhatsApp ( owned by Facebook) said they are looking into the matter. Apple and Signal did not respond to email messages for comment.

If true, the blockbuster disclosures not only will rock the tech world but could foster widespread paranoia among consumers that their most prized digital devices could be spying devices, casting doubt on their security and the companies that design and build them, cybersecurity experts say.

“Everybody should have been worried before, but this is reason to worry more,” says Phil Reitinger, CEO of the Global Cyber Alliance.

RAPHAEL SATTER, AP Thousands of documents published by WikiLeaks on Tuesday included private medical files of survivors of sexual abuse, sick children and the mentally ill, The Associated Press has found.