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Canada Suffers Widespread Wireless Outage

This time it was a software issue.

Many news reports have highlighted the massive wireless/cellular outage that occurred on Friday, July 8, all across Canada. They note that it shows the vulnerability of modern communications systems to possible hacking by foreign operators.

Here is the story: “Rogers CEO apologizes for massive service outage, blames maintenance update.” This failed update that took down many functions of business and government will cause Rogers’ IT staff to shake in their boots the next time they go and attempt a software update to their systems. Rogers Communications is the equivalent of one of our major wireless companies here in the United States.

While technology is mainly a force multiplier, when we become so dependent on the technology it does create other vulnerabilities. I don’t think it is a reason to avoid using technology, just be very aware of the risks and think about what workaround solutions you might need in a crunch.
Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.