Quantum

These days, people tend to associate the word "Quantum" with sci-fi movies. It's become something of a buzz word- some physics term that is often used to describe some complicated piece of technology that nobody can actually build. In actual physics terms, a quantum is a small quantity of energy. To the NSA, a Quantum is their newest way to track you.

In this context, "Quantum" refers to one of many servers placed around the world, likely set close to large data centers or Internet Service Providers. These servers usually monitor the data streaming past and do... nothing. However, when the NSA is looking to target a specific person, the Quantum server springs into action. These servers are designed to be one thing- fast, and that is the one component they need to execute the attacks. When the intended target looks for a specific internet page, the Quantum server intercepts a copy of the request and abuses both the speed it was engineered for as well as it's physical location to respond before the actual server does. It then forces the target to visit a fake website, hosted by the NSA, which then installs several tracking programs onto the unsuspecting host computer. Said programs then assist the NSA in tracking the target.

To the privacy-minded, this poses a large threat. Privacy enthusiasts created a network that is now known as "Tor". This network encrypts a computer's data connection and bounces it through several servers before actually reaching it's destination. Using this service, a user can remain almost completely anonymous- both their location and the content of their requests is hidden. The NSA can use their Quantum servers to catch a Tor user and install their malware on said person's computer, allowing them to both track the previously anonymous user and sabotage other parts of the Tor network.

To the average user, Quantum servers still pose a threat. The programs the NSA forcibly installs allow them unprecedented ease in tracking users, as well as granting them the future ability to use the infected computer as a launching point for other attacks. To summarize this in the most demeaning possible way, the NSA is now using the fastest computers the world can afford to install malware on your computer- the same type of malware used by mildly skilled hackers to steal credit card data and passwords.