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.
Issue: 107 | December, 2009