Flipper Zero: successful gadget on TikTok has payloads taken over by Anatel

Flipper Zero is a portable device for penetration testing of wireless internet networks and radio frequency protocols. With a plain appearance and monochrome display, The product is not approved by the National Telecommunications Authority (Anatel). and in Brazil the cargo was confiscated.

According to Anatel, radio frequency emitting device may be used “for unlawful purposes or to facilitate a crime or misdemeanor”. For this reason, the model cannot be officially marketed in Brazilian territory.

Used for hardware and cyber security research, Flipper Zero has the common functions of other similar devices (infrared transmitter, RFID, Bluetooth, NFC). But, The model gained popularity due to its compact size.

Abroad, the device was called a “portable hacking multipurpose tool.”. Since the gadget is used to discover and fix vulnerabilities in security systems, it actually has functions that can facilitate the implementation of a hacker attack.

It looks like Anatel must have considered Flipper Zero’s “alias” abroad and therefore classified it as an illegal device. Something considered by some experts as a so-called “arbitrary decision”.

Losses for the technology sector

Banning Flipper Zero and similar tools will make the job of cybersecurity experts even more difficult.. As mentioned, without this equipment it is impossible to identify and fix potential breaches and avoid potential hacker attacks.

According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the use of network testing tools “should not be considered a crime.” The organization asks Anatel to reconsider the decision. these are “significant and legitimate use devices” in research activities and digital security improvements..

Also, banning the sale of such equipment does not prevent them from entering the country illegally. In addition, illegality will not prevent hackers from using the device for illegal operations without leaving a trace.