Computer virus hits US Predator and Reaper drone fleet

[A Guy]

A computer virus has infected the cockpits of America’s Predator and Reaper drones, logging pilots’ every keystroke as they remotely fly missions over Afghanistan and other war zones.

The virus, first detected nearly two weeks ago by the military’s Host-Based Security System, has not prevented pilots at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada from flying their missions overseas. Nor have there been any confirmed incidents of classified information being lost or sent to an outside source. But the virus has resisted multiple efforts to remove it from Creech’s computers, network security specialists say. And the infection underscores the ongoing security risks in what has become the US military’s most important weapons system.

“We keep wiping it off, and it keeps coming back,” says a source familiar with the network infection, one of three that told Danger Room about the virus. “We think it’s benign. But we just don’t know.”

Source

A Guy

 

[Corazon]

I wonder what OS they're running....freaky!

 

[PeaB4YouGo]

I wonder what OS they're running....freaky!

It's military. They're still stuck on DOS 6.22.

 

[Stratos]

I don't believe the drone software is Windows. It's more likely it's some variation of Linux.

 

[panais]

Shocking,really shocking! :shock:

Bad and dangerous!!

 

[Gromit1710]

I don't believe the drone software is Windows. It's more likely it's some variation of Linux.

Pilot - "Sir, We've reached the target zone. Kandahar base is in range"

Commander - " Very good pilot, bring the missiles online"

Pilot - "Powering up missiles system now.... DAMNIT!!"

Commander - " Pilot, what's the problem "

Pilot - " Sir, We're unable to arm missiles... the computer can't find the driver through windows update service and now I've got this little yellow exclamation point!"

 

[Jacee]

Definitely not 'new' Hackers, Troops Rejoice: Pentagon Lifts Thumb-Drive Ban (Updated) | Danger Room | Wired.com

 

[seavixen32]

They should have made a set of recovery discs.

 

[marsmimar]

They should have made a set of recovery discs.

Still waiting for approval from the Congressional budget oversight committee so they can buy the discs.

 

[Dwarf]

They should have made a set of recovery discs.

Still waiting for approval from the Congressional budget oversight committee so they can buy the discs.

AKA 'er indoors or She who must be obeyed

 

[greenwizard]

I always thought the OS they use is classified.Maybe they need to start using malwarebytes pro lol

 

[panais]

I don't believe the drone software is Windows. It's more likely it's some variation of Linux.

Pilot - "Sir, We've reached the target zone. Kandahar base is in range"

Commander - " Very good pilot, bring the missiles online"

Pilot - "Powering up missiles system now.... DAMNIT!!"

Commander - " Pilot, what's the problem "

Pilot - " Sir, We're unable to arm missiles... the computer can't find the driver through windows update service and now I've got this little yellow exclamation point!"

Commander - Upload NOW!! the faulty file at http://www.sevenforums.com

Only these guys can save us!! DO it NOW!!

 

[Athene]

They should have made a set of recovery discs.

Still waiting for approval from the Congressional budget oversight committee so they can buy the discs.

AKA 'er indoors or She who must be obeyed

She who must be obeyed? H. Rider Haggard fan? ;-D

 

[seavixen32]

Still waiting for approval from the Congressional budget oversight committee so they can buy the discs.

AKA 'er indoors or She who must be obeyed

She who must be obeyed? H. Rider Haggard fan? ;-D

No, just another down-trodden husband!

 

[Athene]

Lol!

 

[panais]

AKA 'er indoors or She who must be obeyed

She who must be obeyed? H. Rider Haggard fan? ;-D

No, just another down-trodden husband!

 

[Layback Bear]

Definitely not 'new' Hackers, Troops Rejoice: Pentagon Lifts Thumb-Drive Ban (Updated) | Danger Room | Wired.com

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This to me makes absolutely no sence!
Why in the sam hell would it be allowed just to plug things in and out of what our military computers that they wants secure. This is basic security 101. Not to long ago a military goofy shot other military personal in a fort in Texas. What would make anybody think such a person wouldn't stick something in a USB port to damage the military computer systems. No encryption, why.
A ban width problem, how can that be with our government/military satellites. If it was me their would be a lot of officers and civilian experts we pay for doing K.P duty for the rest of their lives. If the program only cost $26.00 buy the program and take it apart. What is $26.00 when we are trillions in debt. I will send the $26.00 just make sure I get a receipt.

 

[panais]

Think if someone maniac hacker decide to launch a nuclear missile! :shock:

 

[seavixen32]

In a similar vein I seem to remember NASA spending millions of dollars on trying to design a ballpoint ink pen that would work in space as the ink wouldn't flow because of zero gravity.

Not sure whether it was the Russians who had the answer...........use a lead pencil instead.

 

[panais]

In a similar vein I seem to remember NASA spending millions of dollars on trying to design a ballpoint ink pen that would work in space as the ink wouldn't flow because of zero gravity.

Not sure whether it was the Russians who had the answer...........use a lead pencil instead.

I remember that story!!