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This page contains all of the posts and discussion on MemeStreams referencing the following web page: Guardian Unlimited Technology | Technology | Scientists, be on guard ... ET might be a malicious hacker. You can find discussions on MemeStreams as you surf the web, even if you aren't a MemeStreams member, using the Threads Bookmarklet.

Guardian Unlimited Technology | Technology | Scientists, be on guard ... ET might be a malicious hacker
by k at 11:38 am EST, Nov 28, 2005

He believes scientists searching the heavens for signals from extra-terrestrial civilisations are putting Earth's security at risk, by distributing the jumble of signals they receive to computers all over the world.

Now why didn't I think of that!

[ This concept has been found in sci-fi for as long as there have been networks of computers. Vernor Vinge, in particular, comes back to the concept of manipulating plantary data netwoks in many books (including the pre-cyberspace-era True Names, which is considered a very important work by many very smart people). I don't think we have much to worry about. Not because I don't think it can be done... surely digital computers wouldn't be beyond an advanced race, but becuase I think they'd have to be nearby. Latency to other star systems is a bitch.

I suppose it's not impossible that some race is broadcasting a cleverly mutating virus targeted at digital systems, but I kinda doubt it. -k]


 
RE: Guardian Unlimited Technology | Technology | Scientists, be on guard ... ET might be a malicious hacker
by Decius at 11:16 am EST, Nov 29, 2005

k wrote:
[ This concept has been found in sci-fi for as long as there have been networks of computers. ]

The idea of aliens writing a virus has... The specific idea of sending out radio data that exploits a buffer overflow in SETI@HOME has not.


Guardian Unlimited Technology | Technology | Scientists, be on guard ... ET might be a malicious hacker
by Decius at 2:12 am EST, Nov 26, 2005

He believes scientists searching the heavens for signals from extra-terrestrial civilisations are putting Earth's security at risk, by distributing the jumble of signals they receive to computers all over the world.

Now why didn't I think of that!


 
 
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