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# Report: NSA Quantum Program Tapped Computers Not Connected To Internet

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<!-- video src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/HKPlouGx.m3u8" -->
## Video: Report: NSA Quantum Program Tapped Computers Not Connected To Internet

[Watch (HLS stream): Report: NSA Quantum Program Tapped Computers Not Connected To Internet](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/HKPlouGx.m3u8) (1:43)

![Report: NSA Quantum Program Tapped Computers Not Connected To Internet](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/HKPlouGx/poster.jpg?width=720)

_Published 2014-01-15. The latest report based on documents released by Edward Snowden show the NSA used old-school radio waves to tap into around 100,000 machines, which don’t have to be connected to the Internet._


---

Jul 27, 2023 4:06 PM UTC

---

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### Edward Snowden Speaks at SXSW Interactive

---


## Transcript

>> The NSA's latest trick of pulling data off isolated computers might look like advanced tech but some of it relies on old school radio waves. A report in the New York Times details an NSA program called Quantum that gives the agency access to compromise computers, even if those computers aren't connected to the internet. The Time's based this report on leaked material by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden and other documents like technical details of the program published by Der Spiegel last month. Quantum uses devices disguised in innocuous USB cables or installed on the computers' internal circuit boards.

These bugs can send traffic over radio frequencies to receiver stations several miles away. Since its inception in 2008, the NSA has loaded Quantum devices and software onto some 100, 000 machines.

>> Now there's no evidence that this technology had been used on any computers within the US but according to the story, the NSA did use it do surveillance on the Russian military, the Chinese army.

>> The agency also reportedly used Quantum software as part of the Stuxnet cyber attack on Iran's and Natanz uranium enrichment facility where it mapped out the target network and transmitted details back to coordinators. The NSA considers its use of Quantum active defense. The Hill quotes an NSA spokesperson who said, " NSA's activities are focused and specifically deployed against- and only against- valid foreign intelligence targets in response to intelligence requirements ." But Quantum's mission could soon change nonetheless, thanks to ongoing pressure from legislators, the US tech sector and the public.

President Obama is expected to discuss possible changes to the NSA's missions and operations on Friday. For Time, I'm Jamal Andrews.

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