Narlon wrote:

This possibility of this kind of thing has been known as far back as mankind's use of fire. More recently Y2K, 911, etc. The aforementioned "Think"tank isn't telling us anything new. It was probably created by some termed-out politician, relative or friend of a politician, fired news reader, failed university professor or other opportunist nare-do-well getting another slice of government "stimulus".

Boy, you ain't kiddin'!!

Seriously, sure it could happen. Even more of an opportunity now that the Gov demands PST/PTS/Whatever you wanna call it. Anything software controlled and run over a IT network is subject to breach. But, Hell, any idiot could learn about signal systems online and drive out to some remote location and tamper with equipment to cause enough false clears/yellows/flashing yellows/yellow over flashing greens, etc. Any idiot could go to Winterail and buy signal books/tech manuals and signal keys, or 102/105 switch keys and really give us all a bad day. Boltcutters from Home Depot would work just fine, too.

You don't need to be in the Signal Dept. to know this. And anyone who reads the newspaper more than twice a week is well aware of so-called "secure network" breaches. How many bank accounts/personal information portfolios will be allowed into unauthorized hands this year? Same can be true for signal/dispatching network controls.

But, Hell, the industry brings enough grief on themselves without any outside help:

"False clears" partial archive:
[www.ironwoodtech.com]