We’ve all heard about hackers doing cruel things, from sextortion to hacking breaks in cars, or having the potential to. Wait until you hear this disturbing story.
According to news reports, hackers have used traffic signals to play pranks in cities from California to North Carolina. In San Francisco, traffic signals talked of “Godzilla attack! Turn back!” On a North Carolina highway, signs read, “Hacked by Sun Hacker.” It’s said they learned how to break into traffic systems through a website using defaulted passwords embedded into software. Homeland Security’s ICS-CERT (Industrial Control System Cyber Emergency Response Team) advised highway operators, local governments, and highway electronic sign makers like Daktronics, to be on high alert and take necessary measures to avoid, or at the very least, minimize future attacks.
I believe they should heed Homeland Security’s warning. Now I like a good practical joke as good as anybody else. I’ve given some out and I’ve been ribbed some. But some jokes just aren’t funny, especially when you’re putting innocent people in danger. It’s a miracle no major car accidents or injuries have happened because of this. And what if these hackers have more evil intentions? What if they turn off all the traffic signals and lights just to cause chaos? Think about what that can lead to. I’m not trying to scare anybody or spread sensationalism. I’m just trying to give caution, so maybe something can be done. Or if you are that hacker whose playing with traffic lights, think twice before someone gets hurt or worse. What if it was your loved one that got hurt because of this danger?