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Welcome to Techsurvivors => Tech => Topic started by: Xairbusdriver on October 09, 2011, 04:47:02 PM

Title: So, you think you have virus problems?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 09, 2011, 04:47:02 PM
<Computer Virus Hits U.S. Drone Fleet, WIRED article, comments not suitable for family viewing.>
Not exactly comforting to know how sloppy these IT "experts" are... rolleyes.gif
Title: So, you think you have virus problems?
Post by: kimmer on October 09, 2011, 08:52:27 PM
QUOTE
“We think it’s benign. But we just don’t know.”

This just gives me warm fuzzies and makes me feel safe and secure. no2.gif
Title: So, you think you have virus problems?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 09, 2011, 10:29:27 PM
I think they are not too worried because the drones are thousands of miles away from the Ground Control stations... rolleyes.gif
Title: So, you think you have virus problems?
Post by: jchuzi on October 10, 2011, 05:37:17 AM
Something I'd like explained: Why the hell are the computers that control these drones connected to the Internet?
Title: So, you think you have virus problems?
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 10, 2011, 09:04:25 AM
Actually, they aren't. But they are allowed to attach removable drives, at least they were until recently, at least at this one base. The various databases, updates, etc. were provided by external HDs and even thumb drives. It is assumed that the virus was delivered by this path. The removable drives carried the virus' and installed them when they are connected to other devices. It's a feature in Windows called auto-run. wallbash.gif  Similar to Safaris's Open "Safe" downloads function (Why that was ever created is beyond me, also).

I'm no expert, but it seems some kind of checksum value of the whole removable device could have detected when something 'extra' had been added. And all removables should have been attached to a non-networked device that could have checked for the correct value as well as scanned for other files (embedded or otherwise). dntknw.gif As I say, I'm no expert, I don't even play on TV but this sounds like pure, simple lack of security planning and execution. wallbash.gif rolleyes.gif