The screen that set off the ballistic missile alert on Saturday

Re:The screen that set off the ballistic missile alert on Sa... by 7952 on Tuesday January 16, 2018 @11:58AM (#16159675)

> Do you want a button pushing clerk to be able to write any message to millions of people over an emergency network?

Yes, in situations where the message does not fit within a pre-defined list due to an unexpected event. Of course it should still have security mechanism's to ensure that the transmission is properly authorised.

The biggest threat is probably misuse by politicians rather than the poor clerk!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:The screen that set off the ballistic missile alert on Sa... by koolba on Tuesday January 16, 2018 @12:14PM (#16159846)

You're conflating two different issues. My original suggestion was a mechanism to prevent the clerk from accidentally sending the wrong message. Typing out the entirety of the message hopefully would force them to realize what they're sending.

Allowing a separate option for a clerk, maybe with confirmation from a supervisor or other clerk, to send an arbitrary message (with a separate approval chain) would be useful as well. In the Hawaii situation not having that option likely delayed sending out the retraction as they didn't have a built in.

[ Parent | on HN ]