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But mechanical systems have safety checks built into them. For example, some years ago I wrote some code that helps to monitor and control gates on a reversibl
by techiferous 15y ago
But mechanical systems have safety checks built into them. For example, some years ago I wrote some code that helps to monitor and control gates on a reversible interstate highway. Theoretically, the main traffic center software could command all of the gates open, causing head-on collisions. In reality, in addition to many software checks, there were real-world checks and balances involving predictable manual procedures, on-site human intervention, etc. so much so that a Stuxnet-like attack would be extremely difficult, if not near impossible.
- ams6110 15y agoEven systems as common as traffic lights work this way. Even if the software were to command "green" in all directions, the electrical circuits are such that it's physically impossible. You'd have to actually rewire the signals to make this happen.
- techiferous 15y agoExactly my point. Although even fail-safe systems can fail, as I've personally seen a T-intersection where all the lights were green (which was freaky to see and caused a little traffic jam). But your point still stands, as I'm not sure how the lights got in that configuration; it could have been worker error. Computer-controlled systems that can have disastrous real-world consequences almost always have built-in checks to avoid these failure states.