[EAS] Dallas warning sirens hacked - maybe

[Sean Donelan]

On Mon, 10 Apr 2017, Bill Ruck wrote:
> Many years ago the engineering firm I work with was retained to evaluate a 
> siren warning system.
>
> I gave them a step-by-step process how someone with only public knowledge 
> could activate the sirens.
>
> The report was not favorably received and the agency went forward with the 
> implementation anyway.

People in glass houses.  As I hope everyone on this list already knows, 
the Emergency Alert System radio activation channel also has some 
vulnerabilities.

So I wouldn't throw too many stones at the City of Dallas or outdoor 
warning siren system vendors.  But recognizing a problem is the first 
step.  In tornado alley, outdoor warning sirens are still useful; in 
conjunction with weather radio, EAS, WEA, etc. But replacing all the 
hardware with modern signalling systems is expensive.  That's also why EAS 
activation via radio won't be replaced in the short term.

Eventually the City of Dallas, along with the vendor and federal officials 
should let other Emergency Management Agencies know what happened.  In 
case outdoor warning sirens in other cities/counties have the same 
vulnerability.