Should Nuclear Missiles be on High Alert

Should Nuclear Missiles be on 'High Alert?'

  • Apr 30, 2015

I was reading through the news today and I got a bit concerned about cybersecurity and nuclear war, primarily because they were in the same sentence. The assumption is that taking U.S. and Russian missiles off high alert could prevent a possible cyberattack from starting a nuclear war.

At first, I thought, “Well, then, just put them on ‘low alert’ or whatever the opposite of ‘high alert’ would be,” but as I read, I learned that neither country is willing to increase lead-time to prepare the weapons. All they would have to do is add a longer fuse, and it can be done without eroding the deterrent value of the weapon. Apparently, there are some hard feelings at steak.

Even though the Obama administration has considered but rejected this idea, after Russia’s intervention in eastern Ukraine, there are some hard feelings and deteriorating U.S.-Russian relations. The U.S. doubts that Moscow would agree to pursue this or any other nuclear arms control measure at this time. These two countries also seem to be at odds over the U.S. accusing Moscow of violating a treaty that bans medium-range nuclear missiles.

So is the age-long battle between U.S. and Russia, but the part that’s scary is that hostile nation-states could pose a huge threat, even more so than the Pentagon has improved its cyber defenses.

Hackers are getting more and more sophisticated by the day, and it is possible that they are able to hack into nuclear command and control systems. No doubt that this would probably start World War III, but I would hope that hackers have a heart, too, and don’t want to see themselves much less their families and friends hurt in the aftermath.

Just the thought of an unauthorized launch of these weapons makes me uneasy.

Featured

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.