In fact, Cisco is the only networking vendor to make its lawful intercept architecture public, a move that should be applauded given that other vendors keep theirs secret to avoid exactly the sort of scrutiny that Cross has applied to the system.

FORBES: Cisco's Wiretap Security Flaws Not Getting Fixed

The charge of conspiring to intercept communications without lawful authority carries a sentence of up to two years in prison or a fine.

BBC: Phone hacking: Rebekah Brooks formally charged