Once packets are captured, they are fed into processing engines running specialized software routines. The code utilizes a highly sophisticated deep packet inspection (DPI) engine. This layer parses raw network protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, SMTP) and extracts "selectors"—unique identifiers such as email addresses, phone numbers, usernames, and IP addresses. The Storage and Query Layer (The Local Buffer)
Exclusive reviews of leaked XKeyscore source code and documentation reveal a massive NSA signals intelligence system that captures widespread user internet activity, including emails and browsing history. The analysis indicates the system uses specialized code to specifically flag users of privacy tools like Tor and Tails, often mislabeling them as "extremists". For an in-depth look at the code, read the report at The Intercept
The backend code connects to a web-based user interface used by analysts across the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). xkeyscore source code exclusive
: The snippets revealed XKeyscore’s ability to perform deep packet inspection on a massive scale, filtering millions of daily activities into searchable database entries. Lasting Impact
Raw data packets are stored in localized, rolling circular buffers. Because of volume constraints, full content is usually overwritten within three to five days. Once packets are captured, they are fed into
Reassembling SMTP, IMAP, and POP3 email traffic, alongside chat protocols and VoIP sessions.
"You’re the first to see the raw logic," Virgil said, his voice tinny over the encrypted VOIP line. He was somewhere in South America, I guessed. "The media has the PowerPoint slides. They have the training manuals. But the source code? That’s the soul. That shows intent." The Storage and Query Layer (The Local Buffer)
In 2013, the world learned the name XKeyscore. Edward Snowden leaked slides detailing the National Security Agency’s (NSA) most expansive internet surveillance system. The intelligence community scrambled, and the public was outraged. But for years, the actual mechanics of the software remained a black box.
Log the IP addresses of anyone visiting Tor website mirrors.