Blackfin I/II

Survey Equipment

“Can get you in a lot of trouble”

Review by Nathan Wessler

Staff Attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project

From the maker of the Stingray, this device provides the added power to listen in on calls and read text messages. Also useful for kicking nearby phones off the network (you can choose between just blocking a single target phone or scrambling the signals of all phones in the area). Take note: Wiretapping calls and text messages requires a special “superwarrant” signed by a judge. Playing around with a Blackfin without adequate court supervision can get you in a lot of trouble.

Capabilities

BLACKFIN II adds more performance and capability to the Blackfin system while keeping the same compact package. BF II is designed to body worn or packaged for concealed missions. Can be discretely configured and controlled via blue tooth with the Mobile controller. Quad Band interrogator that can conduct passive monitoring survey, Interception of GSM voice and SMS of a preloaded target lists, blanketed or targeted denial of service, and geo a given GSM handset.

Limitations and Planning Factors

- Supported Bands: Model A (900/1800MHz) - Model B (800/1900MHz) - Low power for battery operation - USB or Bluetooth connection - Mobile controller provides limited control - 5-7 hour battery life

Vendor

Harris Corporation Wireless Products Group
Melbourne, Florida-based Harris Corp. makes the most well-known cell-site simulator technology, the Stingray, used in cellphone surveillance by military intelligence and law enforcement. The company’s May 2015 acquisition of Virginia-based Exelis moved it toward domestic government business, according to industry experts. — Margot Williams, The Intercept

Protocols

GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900

Approval

Title 10

Cost: $75,000.00

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