[amsat-bb] Satellite seizure (blackmail reported)

[Garie Halstead <k8kfj@xxxxxxxxx>]

    Satellite seizure, blackmail reported 
    By Reuters
    Special to CNET News.com
    February 28, 1999, 7:35 a.m. PT 

    LONDON--Hackers have reportedly seized control of one of Britain's
    military communication satellites and issued blackmail threats.

    The Sunday Business newspaper, quoting security sources, reported
    today that the intruders altered the course of one of Britain's four
    satellites used by defense planners and military forces around the  
    world.

    The sources said the satellite's course was changed just over two
    weeks ago.  The hackers then issued a blackmail threat, demanding
    money to stop interfering with the satellite, according to the
    report. 

    "This is a nightmare scenario," one intelligence source said.
    Military strategists said that, if Britain were to come under 
    nuclear attack, an aggressor would first interfere with
    military communications systems.

    "This is not just a case of computer nerds mucking about. This is
    very, very serious, and the blackmail threat has made it even more 
    serious," a security source said. 

    Police said they would not comment because the investigation was at
    too sensitive a stage. The Ministry of Defense made no comment.

73 //Garie *K8KFJ*
AMSAT #32574

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