Smartphone technology poses a serious risk to the US military as it provides powerful mobile computing to the masses, claims the director of DARPA.Such technology was exclusive to the US military only 15 years ago. With the technology widely available to the public, the Pentagon’s research department DARPA believes smartphones pose a real danger to the US military. These include your everyday Apple iPhone or Google Android device.
“Computing, imaging and communications capabilities that, as recently as 15 years ago, were the exclusive domain of military systems, are now in the hands of hundreds of millions of people around the world,” DARPA’s Deputy Director Kaigham J. Gabriel told the House Armed Services Committee.
According to Gabriel, dozens of countries are using off the shelf technology to produce electronic warfare systems. These systems used to take 10 years to develop, but with the advent and availability of modern technologies the new threats are produced every year and a half.
To counter the plethora of cyber threats, DARPA is employing former hackers. News.com.au report they’re also investing in new radar and radio technology that won’t be available to the public.
“Modern warfare demands the effective use of cyber and kinetic means. That requires DoD cyber capabilities matched to our kinetic options,” Gabriel said.
