As useful as computers are, we are endangering ourselves by incorporating them into our work and personal life. If the GPS system piloting the plane you're on fails or miscalculates, or the auto-pilot system fails, there's a chance you'll go down. Granted this doesn't happen very often, we still accept the risks that our technology could backfire. But when it does, do the ends justify the means? Before you decide, here's something you should consider.
A computer virus called Stuxnet seems to have delayed Iran's nuclear options by wiping out one fifth of their nuclear centrifuges. You could argue that in this case the vulnerability has benefited us, but the situation remains as a reminder that next time, the failure may affect you. While the origin of Stuxnet is still unknown, some believe that the virus was developed as a joint operation between the United States and Isreal. Whether or not this is true, it certainly is possible. The takedown of the PSN and HBGary's 60,000+ leaked emails show that dedicated groups and individuals can and do regularly target others, using technology's failures to fuel their own agenda. Technology is a double edged sword- there's no doubt about it- and while you may decide you don't want to risk it personally, the world will continue into the technical age with or without you.
Oh, and don't say I didn't warn you the next time your printer runs out of ink at 3:00am.
"Worldwide LHC Computing Grid." European Organization for Nuclear Research. CERN, n.d. Web. 18 Jan 2012.
2010. 2010. Video. YouTubeWeb. 18 Jan 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHR6IQJGZs>.
"Stuxnet." Times Topics. (2011): n. page. Web. 18 Jan. 2012. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/computer_malware/stuxnet/index.html>.
Goldman, Tom. "PSN Attack to Cost Sony At Least $170 Million." Escapist: News. 23 7 2011: n. page. Web. 18 Jan. 2012.
Matthew Inman. Why I Believe Printers Were Sent From Hell To Make Us Miserable. N.d. Graphic. The OatmealWeb. 18 Jan 2012. <http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/printers/timing.png>.
Goldman, Tom. "PSN Attack to Cost Sony At Least $170 Million." Escapist: News. 23 7 2011: n. page. Web. 18 Jan. 2012.
Matthew Inman. Why I Believe Printers Were Sent From Hell To Make Us Miserable. N.d. Graphic. The OatmealWeb. 18 Jan 2012. <http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/printers/timing.png>.
Great title! Also, great usage of comics to keep things interesting, we've all been there for sure. I had never heard about the Iranian weapons you mentioned, and thought that was a really great point. I do also admit to loving the "track your pizza" functions provided by the internet. haha Your post was definitely worth the read!
ReplyDeleteI really think your comment about how the world is going to continue into the technical age with or without you. This is SO TRUE! I understand that people may feel threatened by the newest technology, or simply annoyed that they purchased the iPad 1 days before the announcement of the iPad 2. Regardless of how we live our lives, technology is going to continue! Even if we hate it, it's still a controlling factor in everyone's life.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really awesome post! Like others, I had no knowledge of the iranian weapons you mentioned prior to reading this. It is filled with insightful information and keeps the readers interested with your comics.
ReplyDeleteI like your post because you included a lot of things I did not already know and some of it was very interesting information. I had never heard of Stuxnet and I think it is a good example of how there are unintended consequences of technology.
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