He believes scientists searching the heavens for signals from extra-terrestrial civilisations are putting Earth's security at risk, by distributing the jumble of signals they receive to computers all over the world.

Now why didn't I think of that!

[ This concept has been found in sci-fi for as long as there have been networks of computers. Vernor Vinge, in particular, comes back to the concept of manipulating plantary data netwoks in many books (including the pre-cyberspace-era True Names, which is considered a very important work by many very smart people). I don't think we have much to worry about. Not because I don't think it can be done... surely digital computers wouldn't be beyond an advanced race, but becuase I think they'd have to be nearby. Latency to other star systems is a bitch.

I suppose it's not impossible that some race is broadcasting a cleverly mutating virus targeted at digital systems, but I kinda doubt it. -k]

Guardian Unlimited Technology | Technology | Scientists, be on guard ... ET might be a malicious hacker