EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

A Florida cop bought malware that allows the ability to intercept email and social media messages, among other capabilities. The purchase was made without his agency’s knowledge.

FlexiSpy, the malware purchased by the police officer, requires actual physical access to a mobile phone to install. “This is the first first known case of a US state law enforcement officer purchasing such a tool,” reports Joseph Cox from Motherboard. As Cox points out, it appears to be a sign that spyware is now spreading from the federal agencies to the regional forces.

According to Motherboard, it is unclear why the officer made the purchase.

Read the full story at Motherboard.