WikiLeaks' sudden dump of secret CIA documents includes a lot of detail on Happy (2015)the exact methods the agency has been allegedly using to hack various devices. One of the more colorful descriptions is the tool created to hack Samsung smart TVs, which turned them into covert microphones.

The CIA called the hack "Weeping Angel."

SEE ALSO: Exit the 12th Doctor: Peter Capaldi says he's moving on

For any fan of the Doctor Who, the reference was clear. The Weeping Angels are a monster on the show, known for their peculiar ability: The Angels (which are evil, of course) can move lightning-fast, but only when no one is looking at them. As soon as you lock your gaze in their direction, they freeze, unable to move, resembling statues.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!
The TV is most dangerous when no one is actually watching it — just like the Weeping Angels.

It's a fairly clever reference: According to WikiLeaks, the specific hack involves putting the Samsung TV in "Fake-Off" mode, meaning the TV looks off, but is really on, leaving the microphone engaged so the hacker can listen to anyone within earshot of the TV. That makes the TV most dangerous when no one is actually watching it -- just like the Weeping Angels.

WikiLeaks alleges the CIA developed the tool with MI5, Britain's equivalent of the FBI, which probably explains where the name came from. Doctor Who, while popular in the U.S., has been an institution in the UK since it first debuted in 1963, and references to the show are ingrained in the culture.

Exploits and vulnerabilities often have colorful names, but Weeping Angel will definitely go down in history as one of the geekiest.


Featured Video For You
Someone has invented a waterproof toupee that looks just like real hair

Topics Doctor Who

Author

Editorial Team

Our editorial team is dedicated to delivering accurate, timely, and engaging content. With expertise across various domains, we strive to inform and inspire our readers.