Trojan-Infected Computer Linked To 2008 Spanair Crash

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Trojan-Infected Computer Linked To 2008 Spanair Crash

Posted by Soulskill on Friday August 20, 2010 @12:49AM from the blue-screen-of-literal-death dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Two years ago, Spanair flight JK-5022 crashed shortly after takeoff in Madrid, killing 154 of its 172 passengers and crew. El Pais online newspaper reports that the ground computer responsible for triggering an alarm after three failures are reported in a plane failed to do so. The computer was infected with trojans (Google translation of Spanish original)."

11 of 324 comments (clear)

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

Shit. by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · 2010-08-20 00:54 · Score: 5, Funny

Holy Safety-critical system running Windows and apparently not adequately air-gapped, batman!
1. Re:Shit. by oldspewey · 2010-08-20 02:00 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  No, but he wrapped it in tinfoil.
  
  --
  If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
2. Re:Shit. by Rob+Riggs · 2010-08-20 02:07 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Did you remove the networkcable too?
  No can do, my friend. Anti-virus software is useless without a network connection to keep the virus definitions up to date.
  
  --
  the growth in cynicism and rebellion has not been without cause
Re:What operating system was used? by TheKidWho · 2010-08-20 00:57 · Score: 3, Funny

I take it you've never worked with real people before?
Re:What operating system was used? by Anonymous Coward · 2010-08-20 01:00 · Score: 1, Funny

You call them thumb drives, we call them dick drives; they spread disease, screw everything they come in contact with, and leave you in a sticky situation.
Re:Windows? by WrongSizeGlass · 2010-08-20 01:02 · Score: 3, Funny

No, but this computer was running the old version of Flight Simulator.
Re:Windows? by LordLimecat · 2010-08-20 01:09 · Score: 2, Funny

Or possibly TSA?
Re:The pilots were incompetent by nedlohs · 2010-08-20 01:17 · Score: 2, Funny

Being dead does that automatically anyway.
Re:and they want to have networked auto drive cars by ground.zero.612 · 2010-08-20 01:33 · Score: 2, Funny

and they want to have networked auto drive cars some day as well.
I hope that the windows based car navigation and sound system is not hooked to the drive part at all or even better no windows at all.
I would find it very difficult to navigate in a car lacking windows.

--
"Be prepared, son. That's my motto. Be prepared." --Joe Hallenbeck
Just need a super cable by Ripit · 2010-08-20 03:00 · Score: 3, Funny

Pop one of these AKDL1's on it, and the machine is immune to trojans.
You acknowledge that Software is not designed... by travisb828 · 2010-08-20 05:11 · Score: 2, Funny

You acknowledge that Software is not designed, licensed or intended for use in the design, construction, operation or maintenance of any nuclear facility.

http://www.java.com/en/download/license.jsp

I really like that part of the Java EULA.

Even if the infected computer did directly cause the crash of the plane, Microsoft should put something similar in their EULA. Having this kind of disclaimer will remind people that they probably shouldn't use Windows in a system that may have lives depending on it. Its about using the right tool for the right job.