Afghan enemies using iPhone as a weapon
Summary
Australian Department of Defense chief technology officer Matt Yannopoilos today said defenses were being beaten in Afghanistan by enemies accessing information quickly via iPhones.
Topics
Australian Department of Defense chief technology officer Matt Yannopoilos today said defenses were being beaten in Afghanistan by enemies accessing information quickly via iPhones.
At the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Canberra Branch conference this morning, Yannopoilos said "bad guys" in the war-torn country were making better use of available data by "using iPhones and applications — and multiple SIM cards — and going much faster than we are", despite the fact that the government had more intelligence at its fingertips.
Yannopoilos hoped in the future to be able to develop applications quickly to fit defense needs, pointing out that while creating an iPhone application might take two weeks, developing a defense application can take two years.
For more on this story, read iPhone-wielding enemy trumps Defense on ZDNet Australia.
Talkback Most Recent of 11 Talkback(s)
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If they're using apps not approved by Stevie Boy...
...then god help them. He is going to be pissed. 
IT_Guy_z26th Mar 2010 -
I think you are missing the point...
...that being, that we finally have proof that Apple and Steve Jobs are totalitarian terrorist organizations and support the Taliban. You heard it here first!
gnesterenko28th Mar 2010 -
RE: Afghan enemies using iPhone as a weapon
If it's good enough for the Taliban, then it's good enough for me. That's a lot more convincing than any celebrity endorsement.
kenift26th Mar 2010 -
Is that so? I guess I'm getting an AK-47 then.
The Taliban preference is a lot more convincing than any human rights activist endorsement.
Great Kahuna26th Mar 2010 -
Silly
When they use a phone they give away their position, when they use an iPhone the computer in it gives away everything, so if they surfed to a satellite map on Google Maps, then the US army has that data because it has access to the ISP.
Which is presumably why they forced a shut down of GSM networks:
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/32714.php
So what he's saying makes no sense, except if he's trying to get budget to waste, developing iPhone apps.
Is that it? He wants to play with iPhones? Can I suggest Android then, just because I don't like Apple right now?
guihombre26th Mar 2010 -
RE: Afghan enemies using iPhone as a weapon
Not surprising really. Regimentalized military always suffers against the fluidity of "grass roots" military.
The US did it to Britain in 1770's. The VC did it to the US in the 1960's (with some help from the KGB). The Mujahadien (sp?) did it to the USSR in the 1980's (with some help from the CIA).
The difference between following orders and following your gut.
Give US troops free independant authority and watch how quick the Taliban gets swept up. Along with a bunch of collateral damage sure. You wanna make an omelet you need to break a few eggs. War may be hell but ethical war is unwinnable. NOW where did I put my Jericho missle ?
thedudeistoocool@...26th Mar 2010 -
The Taliban don't care about collateral damage, I would say they seek it.
It's that fact alone that puts them at an advantage. Now imagine what would happen to them if allied troops acted the same way.Great Kahuna26th Mar 2010 -
RE: Afghan enemies using iPhone as a weapon
This post is frustratingly vague. What apps are being used to do what? Results are brutally measurable in war. It comes down to putting lead on target - or avoiding the same.
hoodedswan26th Mar 2010 -
Wow.. you looking for work?
this seems like someone looking for iphone app work? Run out of ideas that will sell in the civilian side?
Been_Done_Before26th Mar 2010 -
RE: Afghan enemies using iPhone as a weapon
They're cellphone buying the invading troops? Putting
rude and embarassing cell-camera shots on youTube?
Srsly dude.
Its a phone.
Its a cell phone (even with sat link)
1) they don't work underground
2) The ID numbers can be traced, if the phone is on,
talking or not
3) They can be localised to which cell tower they're
next to (or the military GPS location of the sat) AND
if they're moving which direction/road can be
identified by which towers get activated.
4) It's a radio transmitter!! If the US could get
the general area then if its not a civ site (or being
the US, even if it is a civ site) then they can use
radio signal tracking jet carried missiles (the likes
of the Harpoon are already old tech).
5) The US have monitor & record capability. thats
even better that informants on the ground
6)Its digital radio, it can be locked out or even
brute forced jammed (in tactical engagements)
7) Its only a phone!! big deal a local POTS would do
just as well if not better.
mist42nz26th Mar 2010 -
Is this Really News?
If they're registering to external networks they're death traps (We are here). If they're in local mode aren't they just small computers? A netbook would do the same - only better and cheaper - and so would (some) PDAs.
I suppose their built-in GPS and the readily available - and free - map apps that go with it might be useful but without radiating at all? Seems unlikely.
This has all the appearance of a non-story.
brian.smith@...29th Mar 2010
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