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Small correction: The PAL doesn't handle presidential authentication. It's an extra layer of security to prevent a third party from detonating a warhead should
by stopping 2y ago
Small correction: The PAL doesn't handle presidential authentication. It's an extra layer of security to prevent a third party from detonating a warhead should they come into physical possession of one, and is (presumably) a static code which is integral to the operation of the weapon itself. Changing it would require complete reassembly of the warhead. The presidential authentication is handled by the missile crew, and the codes rotate daily. The PAL code is fixed and kept safe in the silo, where it is only accessed and input after the presidential order has been authenticated.
- Jenk 2y agoThe presidential missile code was "00000000" throughout many years of the cold war. https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/12/launch-code-for-us-nukes-was-00000000-for-20-years/ https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/12/launch-code-for-...
- red_admiral 2y agoI thought that was the PAL, not the presidential part. Basically, engineers added a new layer of security, personnel on the ground promptly found a workaround. Nothing ever changes.
- jajko 2y agoWell, as long as it wasn't stick by the silo entrance on the wall on postit we can call it an improvement, eh? I mean you have to at least remember the number of zeros required
- Luc 2y ago> Basically, engineers added a new layer of security, personnel on the ground promptly found a workaround. Nothing ever changes. Not quite - the highest levels of government added a new security layer and the generals in charge decided to work around it.
- stopping 2y agoI hate to say it, but that article is inaccurately reported, and I cringe every time I see it linked. It conflates the PAL codes with the presidential launch codes, which are two distinct layers of security. Even if the PAL is hard coded to all zeros, you still need presidential authorization to initiate the launch procedure.
- euroderf 2y agoMy understanding that this included warheads for bombers, so that maybe a bad actor could exploit it.