The U.S- based cockpits of the military’s Predator and Reaper drones, unmanned combat air vehicle, have been infected by a computer virus, says a report.
Wired magazine, a monthly American magazine, in its defense blog says the virus is allegedly logging pilots’ every keystroke as they carry out their missions. Moreover, the reporter adds the virus was first detected two weeks ago and has remained on Creech’s computer system in spite of multiple efforts to eliminate it.
From Nevada, Creech Air Force Base controlled the robotic drones, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., as they fly above Afghanistan, Libya and other war zones.
The article says, “Military network security specialists aren’t sure whether the virus and its so-called ‘keylogger’ payload were introduced intentionally or by accident; it may be a common piece of malware that just happened to make its way into these sensitive networks.”
“The specialists don’t know exactly how far the virus has spread,” it added.
With the following declaration the Creech Air Force Base public affairs office answered to inquiries about the reports
“We generally do not discuss specific vulnerabilities, threats, or responses to our computer networks, since that helps people looking to exploit or attack our systems to refine their approach.”
“We invest a lot in protecting and monitoring our systems to counter threats and ensure security, which includes a comprehensive response to viruses, worms, and other malware we discover,” added its public affairs office.
