Boeing's CHAMP Missile Uses Radio Waves To Remotely Disable PCs

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Boeing's CHAMP Missile Uses Radio Waves To Remotely Disable PCs

Posted by Unknown on Wednesday October 24, 2012 @02:11AM from the computer-time-is-over-billy dept.

Dupple writes "During last week's test, a CHAMP (Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project) missile successfully disabled its target by firing high power microwaves into a building filled with computers and other electronics. 'On Oct. 16th at 10:32 a.m. MST a Boeing Phantom Works team along with members from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate team, and Raytheon Ktech, suppliers of the High Power Microwave source, huddled in a conference room at Hill Air Force Base and watched the history making test unfold on a television monitor. CHAMP approached its first target and fired a burst of High Power Microwaves at a two story building built on the test range. Inside rows of personal computers and electrical systems were turned on to gauge the effects of the powerful radio waves. Seconds later the PC monitors went dark and cheers erupted in the conference room. CHAMP had successfully knocked out the computer and electrical systems in the target building. Even the television cameras set up to record the test were knocked off line without collateral damage.'"

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My computer has a tin-foil hat. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-24 02:13 · Score: 1, Funny

What now?
1. Re:My computer has a tin-foil hat. by Smidge204 · 2012-10-24 02:51 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Tin foil? Everything now is ALUMINUM foil, which does nothing to block government waves! They haven't made TIN foil since WWII. Oh they SAY it was because they needed the tin for the war effort, but the truth is they discovered tin was the only effective shield against their new toys so they made sure nobody could get it anymore!
  =Smidge=
2. Re:My computer has a tin-foil hat. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-24 03:48 · Score: 0, Funny
  
  Nobody uses tin for anything because it's rubbish. Also Aluminium was used heavily in and following the war for aircraft production...
  THATS WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO THINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Forget tinfoil hats by jimbodude · 2012-10-24 02:15 · Score: 3, Funny

I need a tinfoil house!
Attack cats by SirGarlon · 2012-10-24 02:25 · Score: 5, Funny

So what they've basically done is created a missile that does the same thing as my cat -- disables computer systems. Though since my cat is not available for deployment in a combat zone, I think the missile is the way to go.

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[Sir Garlon] is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible.
Re:Yea!... I mean No. by Coisiche · 2012-10-24 02:29 · Score: 3, Funny

If it hits the wrong target, no civilian casualties.
You killed my World of Warcraft! You bastards!
Re:Faradays cage by TheGratefulNet · 2012-10-24 03:09 · Score: 4, Funny

I would suggest wrapping your laptop in bacon.
even if it does not protect the data, at least you get a really nice smell and lunch afterwards.

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"It is now safe to switch off your computer."
Don't worry this doesn't actually work by Anonymous Coward · 2012-10-24 03:22 · Score: 5, Funny

I work right near the test facility, and let me assure your PC is perfectly safe. This thing cannot shu
Re:Industrial terrorism by GameboyRMH · 2012-10-24 03:28 · Score: 4, Funny

And people call me paranoid for storing my backup drives in shielded boxes.

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"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
Re:Faradays cage by NatasRevol · 2012-10-24 03:53 · Score: 3, Funny

Depending on the laptop, it can still cook the bacon.

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There are two types of people in the world: Those who crave closure