A 21st Century Threat: Battery Fire Cyber Attacks
The threat posed by battery fire cyber attacks is a growing concern in the modern era of Internet-connected devices. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to proliferate, the possibility of maliciously induced thermal runaway fires becomes increasingly daunting.
For those familiar with my novel "Expatriates and Liberators," readers may recall the fictional depiction of time-delayed and remotely-controlled incendiaries and explosives. While that was a narrative device, the threat posed by lithium-ion rechargeable batteries in consumer products connected to the Internet is all too real.
Thermal runaway battery fires have been documented as an increasingly common occurrence, even in devices designed with safety in mind. The recent sinking of a ship loaded with 3,000 newly manufactured electric cars, blamed on a thermal runaway battery fire, serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved.
The potential for terrorists to exploit this threat via malware is alarming. A clever group of hackers could create malware that induces a thermal runaway fire in almost any battery-powered or battery backup device connected to software-controlled chargers.
Simultaneous Event Coordination: A Threat Beyond Terrorist Attacks
The concept of simultaneity is crucial in understanding the potential threat posed by battery fire cyber attacks. Timing was a key factor in Osama Bin Laden's 9/11/2001 attacks, and it played a significant role in the Israeli Mossad's Exploding Pagers coup.
Consider a global terror cyber attack timed to coincide with a larger world event, such as a Mainland China invasion of Taiwan or a Russian invasion of Poland. A battery fire viral hack could also be coordinated with a widespread cyber warfare campaign against various infrastructures, orchestrating a full-scale "Fire Sale" series of timed attacks.
This concept is not merely speculative; it's an unsettling possibility that warrants further research and consideration.
A Global Threat Beyond Terrorist Attacks
The threat posed by battery fire cyber attacks extends beyond the realm of terrorist attacks. The potential for coordinated, simultaneous events to overwhelm emergency services and disrupt critical infrastructure cannot be understated.
As the IoT continues to grow, it's essential that we acknowledge this threat and begin exploring measures to mitigate its impact.
A Call to Action
The possibility of a global terror cyber attack via battery fire is a pressing concern that demands attention. It's time for international cooperation, awareness, and research into this emerging threat.
By working together, we can minimize the risks associated with battery-powered devices connected to the Internet and prevent the devastating consequences of such an attack.