Radio Hijack Shenanigans: When Emergency Alerts Go from EAS to LOL
Malicious intruders hijack US radio gear, turning emergency tones into a profanity-laced alarm system. The FCC warns of unsecured equipment, especially from Barix, being exploited. Stations in Texas and Virginia reported incidents, including one during a live sports broadcast. The FCC offers tips to prevent these hijacks in the future.
Hot Take:
Who knew the Emergency Broadcast System could be hijacked to deliver potty-mouthed poetry? It’s like a tech-savvy pirate radio with a penchant for profanity. Move over, Orson Welles, we’ve got a new kind of broadcast panic on our hands!
Key Points:
- FCC warns of cyber intrusions hijacking US radio equipment to broadcast vulgar content.
- Attackers exploited unsecured devices, specifically Barix equipment, to replace programming.
- Stations in Texas and Virginia were affected, with one incident interrupting a sports broadcast.
- The FCC recommends broadcasters follow “best practices” to prevent future hijacks.
- This isn’t the first EAS compromise; a 2013 incident involved a faux “zombie apocalypse” alert.
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