Meshnet Digital Armor To Protect Tanks 164
An anonymous reader writes "General Dynamics Canada and Secure Computing have partnered to develop Meshnet, a hardware/software firewall designed to protect networks and digital devices inside tanks and other military vehicles from hostile computer and virus attacks. Without adequate protection a tech savvy enemy can infiltrate networks, manipulate information, and deny crews the data they need to participate in modern warfare. Exactly such an event happened last year to an Israeli crew, when hackers from Hezbollah eavesdropped on their communications. 'The system uses Secure Computing's off-the-shelf Sidewinder Security Appliance ... Sidewinder consolidates all major Internet security functions into a single system, providing "best-of-breed" antivirus and spyware network protection "against all types of threats, both known and unknown," according to Secure Computing.'"
Re:It apparently runs Linux (Score:3, Informative)
No, It doesn't. According to the PDF in the article:
I'm no security expert, but those don't sound like "strong links" in the chain.
Re:The 800 LB gorilla in the room... (Score:2, Informative)
Re:It apparently runs Linux (Score:1, Informative)
The management can be done through a windows system (currently a pyton application) or via command line.
Re:So there's me thinking... (Score:3, Informative)
The sorry state of affairs today in that our boys on the field rely TOO MUCH on TECHNOLOGY is reflected in what happens when that technology FAILS. People DIE.
a) Technology can give you a huge advantage over The Enemy(tm). Which is why the US led coalition was able to dominate in Desert Storm.
b) Because technology acts as a "force multiplier," meaning you can do a lot more with less people/tanks/planes/etc.. Without high technology we would need many more real live people in the military. So you either pay the cost in technology or you pay the cost with a larger percentage of your population in uniform and/or in harm's way.
c) Technology requires "less skill" to use. Having infrared sensors, laser range findings, and a computerized fire control system makes the M-1's main gun very deadly. How long would it take for a gunner to get that good using just the Mark I Eyeball and human skill? People in the military should be focused on winning, and not on frantically having to look up wind speed on paper firing tables before taking a shot.
Re:Yeah, you go with that. (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Why? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Sanity check: (Score:5, Informative)
There was no great security hack, just monitoring and DF'ing the encrypted radio traffic. I don't need to know what is actually said. If I can track the enemies location by simple DF'ing of their communications, I can quickly locate them and then track their movements. And when that indicates that a large number of radio's are moving up the valley towards my position, I know to be ready to attack, defend or run.