Are Internet-Connected Trains Safer? Or a Weapon of Mass Destruction?

RE: Are Internet-Connected Trains Safer? Or a Weapon of Mass Destruction?

festro — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 23:57:59 GMT

That train passed me and a friend like 10 minutes before it crashed!

It all boils down down to the fact, Given the dedication Literally anything can be turned into a weapon

I agree we should be aware of the complications the issue has.

But not say no to it, as that would be akin to Saying no to Technology as it has the potential to be used for nefarious purposes.

RE: Are Internet-Connected Trains Safer? Or a Weapon of Mass Destruction?

mcb1 — Sun, 17 May 2015 16:11:28 GMT

Sagar

There are some interesting comments made in this article.

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/may/15/amtrak-train-may-have-been-struck-by-object-before-derailment

It implies that there is a computerized control already on board, so adding GPS/Speed Sensor should be easy.

Without even referencing the location, the change in speed could be limited.

I find the lack of signs a very interesting idea.

. (from here SEPTA call released from night of Amtrak 188 crash | 6abc.com )

[View:/resized-image/__size/666x248/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-a76e9aa1-d83d-4366-93b5-32e4bc55d544/contentimage_5F00_178995.png:666:248]

At 70/80 mph they would need to be reasonable sized, and possibly more than one, which may explain why they don't use them.

However relying on memory and spatial awareness without a GPS unit to show your location seems to be strange to me.

Hacking embedded systems is a lot harder, and tends to require inside co-operation, so are a lot safer.

I do have issues with IoT devices and connection to insecure networks.

The centrifuge issue was beyond a normal hack, and was in effect industrial espionage.

The scenario could be implemented elsewhere, but I think it would be difficult, and to use in the same context is possibly stretching to make a point.

I do feel for the families involved, as you expect public transport to be safe..

I sincerely hope the NTSB report and recommendations are implemented without delay, and that the government is ready to stand behind the findings and enforce the recommendations.

Mark

RE: Are Internet-Connected Trains Safer? Or a Weapon of Mass Destruction?

DAB — Sat, 16 May 2015 20:03:42 GMT

I know a lot of people think that computer control can stop humans from injuring themselves, but it comes at a cost.

It appears that getting dependable people to control dangerous machines is a growing problem.

Positive control mechanisms can help, but as past events have shown, there is no way to keep bad things from happening if someone is determined to cause a problem.

We may never know the full story, but a rush to turning technology control over human judgment can be just as much a problem if people get lax in their diligence to keep machines working correctly.

Computer can help, but I would refrain from too much reliance on them.

DAB