CIA Secretly Owned Swiss Encryption Firm Used by Governments All Over the World

[umsami]

I'm surprised that this was kept secret for so long!  Fascinating story. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/national-security/cia-crypto-encryption-machines-espionage/

"For more than half a century, governments all over the world trusted a single company to keep the communications of their spies, soldiers and diplomats secret.

The company, Crypto AG, got its first break with a contract to build code-making machines for U.S. troops during World War II. Flush with cash, it became a dominant maker of encryption devices for decades, navigating waves of technology from mechanical gears to electronic circuits and, finally, silicon chips and software.

The Swiss firm made millions of dollars selling equipment to more than 120 countries well into the 21st century. Its clients included Iran, military juntas in Latin America, nuclear rivals India and Pakistan, and even the Vatican.

But what none of its customers ever knew was that Crypto AG was secretly owned by the CIA in a highly classified partnership with West German intelligence. These spy agencies rigged the company’s devices so they could easily break the codes that countries used to send encrypted messages."

[Murphy101]

Millions of conspiracy theorist are saying, "I told you so!",  in joyous triumph.

[Katy]

I wouldn't be surprised if we find out they have their hands in a bit of everything.  Maybe not the CIA itself, but the NSA & other unknown government agencies.