Zombies!!!

azoomm · 01-30-2009, 12:34 PM

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/Road_signs_warn_of_zombies

Construction signs warn of zombies
Hackers change public safety message

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin drivers making their morning commute were in for a surprise when two road signs on a busy stretch of road were taken over by hackers. The signs near the intersection of Lamar and Martin Luther King boulevards usually warn drivers about upcoming construction, but Monday morning they warned of "zombies ahead."

"I thought it was pretty funny," said University of Texas sophomore Jane Shin, who saw the signs while driving down Lamar Bouelvard with friends Sunday night. "We wondered who did it."

The City of Austin does not own the signs, but they are responsible for the message. The contractor on the construction project owns the signs. A city spokesperson said the hacked messages were only up for a few hours, until the construction project manager saw them during his morning commute and immediately ordered them to be changed back.

"Even though this may seem amusing to a lot of people, this is really serious, and it is a crime," said Austin Public Works spokesperson Sara Hartley. "And you can be indicted for it, and we want to make sure our traffic on the roadways stays safe."

Hartley said though it was a locked sign, the padlock for it was cut. Signs such as these have a computer inside that is password-protected.

"And so they had to break in and hack into the computer to do it, so they were pretty determined," said Hartley.

This crime is a class C misdemeanor in Texas, and Hartley said it endangers the public.

"The big problem is public safety," said Hartley. "Those signs are out there to help our traffic on the roadway to stay safe and to know what's coming up."

KXAN Austin News cameras caught many drivers slowing down to read the signs as they approached. Some read, "Zombies ahead! Run for your lives!"

Hartley said the city will discuss more secure safety measures with the manufacturer of the signs.

Speculation among the tech-savvy on the Internet is that the signs were inspired by the video game Call of Duty 5, World at War, which is the top game in the country right now and features "nazi zombies," or an upcoming movie about zombies called "Dead Snow" (an official selection at Sundance '09). There are also several online sites that teach people how to break into these construction signs.

xx CURVE xx · 01-30-2009, 12:36 PM

gimme an R!

Dragonpaco · 01-30-2009, 12:47 PM

gimme an E

Particle Man · 01-30-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragonpaco

gimme an E

gimme a P

Dragonpaco · 01-30-2009, 05:49 PM

thank god someone continued the cheer

azoomm · 01-30-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragonpaco

thank god someone continued the cheer

I'm glad you're as relieved as I am...

Thank goodness someone is able to keep up with posts. *phew*

AquaPython · 01-30-2009, 12:47 PM

Oh noessssssssssssssssssss

Rider · 01-30-2009, 12:50 PM

pickle.of.doom · 01-30-2009, 01:10 PM

Is it just me or are these zombies everywhere?

Maybe its the Apocolypse

Phenix_Rider · 01-30-2009, 01:28 PM

So, wait a minute... People actually slowed down!?

Seems like the hackers did a better job than the signs.

01-30-2009, 12:34 PM	#1
azoomm moderator chick Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Hill Country TX Moto: Pasta Rockets Posts: 8,917	Zombies!!! http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/Road_signs_warn_of_zombies Construction signs warn of zombies Hackers change public safety message AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin drivers making their morning commute were in for a surprise when two road signs on a busy stretch of road were taken over by hackers. The signs near the intersection of Lamar and Martin Luther King boulevards usually warn drivers about upcoming construction, but Monday morning they warned of "zombies ahead." "I thought it was pretty funny," said University of Texas sophomore Jane Shin, who saw the signs while driving down Lamar Bouelvard with friends Sunday night. "We wondered who did it." The City of Austin does not own the signs, but they are responsible for the message. The contractor on the construction project owns the signs. A city spokesperson said the hacked messages were only up for a few hours, until the construction project manager saw them during his morning commute and immediately ordered them to be changed back. "Even though this may seem amusing to a lot of people, this is really serious, and it is a crime," said Austin Public Works spokesperson Sara Hartley. "And you can be indicted for it, and we want to make sure our traffic on the roadways stays safe." Hartley said though it was a locked sign, the padlock for it was cut. Signs such as these have a computer inside that is password-protected. "And so they had to break in and hack into the computer to do it, so they were pretty determined," said Hartley. This crime is a class C misdemeanor in Texas, and Hartley said it endangers the public. "The big problem is public safety," said Hartley. "Those signs are out there to help our traffic on the roadway to stay safe and to know what's coming up." KXAN Austin News cameras caught many drivers slowing down to read the signs as they approached. Some read, "Zombies ahead! Run for your lives!" Hartley said the city will discuss more secure safety measures with the manufacturer of the signs. Speculation among the tech-savvy on the Internet is that the signs were inspired by the video game Call of Duty 5, World at War, which is the top game in the country right now and features "nazi zombies," or an upcoming movie about zombies called "Dead Snow" (an official selection at Sundance '09). There are also several online sites that teach people how to break into these construction signs. __________________ We have enough youth. How about a fountain of "smart"? Come Play at the Track!! http://www.elitetrackdays.com

01-30-2009, 01:10 PM	#9
pickle.of.doom el diablo de verde Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Howell, MI Moto: VTR, CBR, DRZSM Posts: 1,046	Is it just me or are these zombies everywhere? Maybe its the Apocolypse __________________ WOS Forums

01-30-2009, 12:36 PM	#2
xx CURVE xx SMELL MY LEVER Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Moto: Tards Posts: 1,034	gimme an R!

01-30-2009, 12:50 PM	#8
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156