
Even the 911 Address Database Can Get Hacked
People dial 911 when they’re in some sort of trouble or in the event of an emergency. If not for the hotline, who knows how many lives could be lost daily. Sometimes, however, help doesn’t come, even when dispatchers have received the call and responded. This generally isn’t the fault of the dispatchers, but rather the criminals who have undermined the rescue efforts thanks to some unorthodox hacking.
WIRED magazine reports that the 911 address database could potentially be susceptible to an online hacking attack. At its time of creation, the 911 system was meant to streamline operations for those who needed immediate emergency assistance, and its security suffered in response. Rather than concentrate on network security, more emphasis was put on training the operators to deal with common problems, like coaching those on the other side of the line how to perform CPR if necessary. So, what happens if someone were to hack the database and mess with its contents?
Complete and total chaos. Hackers can potentially alter the addresses that are contained in the database and make it difficult to administer aid when it’s needed most. Depending on which type of phone is used, there are different ways in which the system works:
- Landlines: The operators must determine the location of the caller. If they’re using a landline phone, they use a database of addresses which are tied to particular phone numbers.
- Wireless Phones: A slightly different method is used if the caller is using a cellphone. These phones are equipped with GPS chips which send out coordinates after a cellphone tower processes the call.