Sunday November 22, 2009 9:44 AM AEST

Terrorists could hack into nuclear launch systems

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Terrorists could hack into nuclear launch systems

Internet-connected nuclear missiles are under fire.

In a study that surprised very few, the International Commission on Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND) found that terrorists could potentially hack nuclear missile silos.

Due to the nature of the internet links to military facilities (to launch the missiles remotely), the study mentioned that while it wasn't completely likely that hackers could gain control of nukes directly; but that they could influence those in control of the nukes.

By faking signals and feeding false signs to those monitoring the defence systems, hackers could potentially cause enough panic to get someone to shoot a nuke - with devastating consequences.

Due to the monitoring systems not being given the same priority as the actual launching systems, the ICNND study believes that there are inherent security risks, something that will need to be plugged.

Whether or not this will allow terrorists (or simply Skynet) control is up in the air for now, so head to The Guardian to read a little more, via Tomsguide.

 

 
 
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11 Comments
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
ArcaneMagik
Jul 30, 2009 11:29 AM
The amount of Skynet related articles is insane. I better start building a lead lined bunker.
TheFrunj
Jul 30, 2009 11:33 AM
Yes, I added in that Skynet thing to pre-empt your comment :P

-JR
ArcaneMagik
Jul 30, 2009 11:53 AM
On a more serious note, it is concerning to hear that the early warning systems that determines if nuclear weapons are launched or not is not as well protected as the nuclear weapons themselves.
fredzfrog
Jul 30, 2009 12:32 PM
Hope theres no phones at these missile silos..
*yuri miond controll noise*
TheFrunj
Jul 30, 2009 12:43 PM
<3 RA2
Hoonbernator
Jul 30, 2009 1:16 PM
Skynet exists and is far more complex than ever suspected. Instead of destroying us through war, it is simply keeping us all paranoid.
ckalin
Jul 30, 2009 1:34 PM
how does that quote go? "the greatest trick the devil every pulled, was convincing everybody that he didn't exist"
bu14-1
Jul 30, 2009 5:44 PM
Ah Yuri's Revenge. Classic. I could beat 7 brutal enemies all allied against me on Arctic Circle back in the day.
Argotha
Aug 1, 2009 8:06 PM
ckalin: Yup pretty sure that is correct, nice one.

post: mm ra2...
mAJORD
Aug 2, 2009 2:05 PM
In a panic.. they try to pulldaplug
DiStOrTeD
Aug 3, 2009 3:04 PM
But skynet was everywhere...
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Atomic Magazine

Issue: 107 | December, 2009

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.
 
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