Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

posted by martyb on Wednesday June 28 2017, @01:07PM   Printer-friendly
from the tried-and-tested dept.

Recently launched and not yet operational, the HMS Queen Elizabeth's computers are running Windows XP.

The ship's officers defend this, claiming that the ship is secure, but the phrasing of their comments suggests that they really don't have a clue:
"It's not the system itself, of course, that's vulnerable, it's the security that surrounds it.
So the security is vulnerable?

"I want to reassure you about Queen Elizabeth, the security around its computer system is properly protected and we don't have any vulnerability on that particular score."

Apparently, where you buy your computers makes Windows XP more secure:
"The ship is well designed and there has been a very, very stringent procurement train that has ensured we are less susceptible to cyber than most."

He added: "We are a very sanitised procurement train. I would say, compared to the NHS buying computers off the shelf, we are probably better than that. If you think more Nasa and less NHS you are probably in the right place."

Didn't they learn from recent events how even air-gapped computers can be compromised?

Also covered at The Register, The Times, and The Guardian.


Original Submission

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
  • (Score: 3, Funny) by EvilSS on Wednesday June 28 2017, @02:10PM (3 children)

    by EvilSS (1456) Subscriber Badge on Wednesday June 28 2017, @02:10PM (#532440)
    They aren't air-gapped you silly knobs, they are water-gapped so they are perfectly safe!
    Starting Score:    1  point
    Moderation   +1  
       Funny=1, Total=1
    Extra 'Funny' Modifier   0  
    Karma-Bonus Modifier   +1  

    Total Score:   3  
  • (Score: 3, Funny) by BsAtHome on Wednesday June 28 2017, @02:24PM (2 children)

    by BsAtHome (889) on Wednesday June 28 2017, @02:24PM (#532448)

    With a grain of salt. The perfect electrolyte.
    No wonder why they still need to learn to navigate with charts and sextant. No water-gapped computer ever survives the harsh mistress of the sea.
    ;-)

    • (Score: 3, Funny) by bob_super on Wednesday June 28 2017, @06:36PM (1 child)

      by bob_super (1357) on Wednesday June 28 2017, @06:36PM (#532568)

      "They told me they'd run faster with all them being water-cooled!"

      • (Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Thursday June 29 2017, @01:29AM

        by Pslytely Psycho (1218) on Thursday June 29 2017, @01:29AM (#532733)

        The three of you can now team up and split the cost of a new keyboard for me. The Dr. Pepper nose hose......

        --
        Alex Jones lawyer inspires new TV series: CSI Moron Division.