sirens

SirenJack bug puts emergency alert sirens at risk for hacks

Researchers have found a vulnerability in emergency-alert systems provided by ATI Systems that could put millions at risk by allowing hackers to sound false alarms or otherwise mislead the public in regards to warning of natural and man-made disasters in the United States.

Depiction of Federal Signal Siren

Podcast: Hack, or Phreak – What Really Happened in Dallas?

In-brief: The April 7th hijacking of more than 100 civil defense sirens in Dallas was dismissed as an “old school” hack that relied copycat radio tones to set off a cacophony that lasted for nearly two hours. But was it? Security researcher Mark Loveless (aka “Simple Nomad”) has his doubts about the official explanation. In this latest Security Ledger podcast, he talks to Editor in Chief Paul Roberts about what might have really gone down in Dallas. 

Hack of Dallas Sirens Not the First or Last on Emergency Systems, Experts Warn

In-brief: The weekend hack of civil defense sirens in Dallas, Texas is similar to two incidents in Illinois in 2012. The underlying problem? Woeful security for emergency alerting and other civil defense systems in the U.S., according to security experts.