Reply #3: All it takes is viewing a PDF on the wrong system [View All]

It could be something as simple as lecture notes being compromised. If they can you get to view SWF or PDF files on most systems (XP, Linux, Mac), even fully patched ones, are no longer secure. While such an infected computer would not affect the most secure systems, it would cause havoc elsewhere among a lot of systems.

But the compromises could be much greater. That compromised SWF/PDF file to enable the builtin microphone to eavesdrop on defense planning at the NWC or elsewhere.

Even worse are the risks from pre-infected hardware boards or chips, nearly all of which are produced offshore. These are almost impossible to detect and prevent. Try finding compromised micro-code in a processor chip if it were inserted during the chip design phase.

While that would take a lot of effort and risk to accomplish, think of being able to disrupt weapons systems, communications, satellites, ... or voting machines.


The problem is that, just as previous admirals underestimated the danger from airplanes to warships, the current ones haven't realized that they/we have probably already lost the ability to protect nearly all technology infrastructure from attacks.