NSA hacked 50,000 computer networks worldwide

The U.S. National Security Agency hacked more than 50,000 computer networks worldwide last year, infecting them with malware used to conduct sophisticated spy operations, according to a top-secret slide leaked by Edward Snowden.

The new revelation comes from a 2012 PowerPoint slide published by Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad. The document shows a world map that highlights, among other things, more than 50,000 "world-wide implants" under the category "CNE" (Computer Network Exploitation) — NSA jargon for malware infections.

Cyber operations are increasingly important for the NSA. Computer hacks are relatively inexpensive and provide the NSA with opportunities to obtain information that they otherwise would not have access to. The NSA-presentation shows their CNE-operations in countries such as Venezuela and Brazil. The malware installed in these countries can remain active for years without being detected. ‘Sleeper cells’ can be activated with a single push of a button

The malware can be controlled remotely and be turned on and off at will. The ‘implants’ act as digital ‘sleeper cells’ that can be activated with a single push of a button. According to the Washington Post, the NSA has been carrying out this type of cyber operation since 1998.

According to the NSA website CNE “includes enabling actions and intelligence collection via computer networks that exploit data gathered from target or enemy information systems or networks.”

Once the computer has been infected, the ‘implants’ act as digital 'sleeper cells' that can be remotely turned on or off with a single push of a button, the Dutch paper reported. The malware can remain active for years without being detected, the newspaper added. The malicious operations reportedly were carried out in many countries including China, Russia, Venezuela and Brazil.

The hacking is conducted by the Tailored Access Operations (TAO), a special unit within the NSA tasked with gaining access to foreign computer systems.