In nuclear battle, a Biblical clue?
When I heard that a computer virus was slowing down Iran's nuclear capability, I assumed there was some fancy spycraft involved. This New York Times story has more:
Deep inside the computer worm that some specialists suspect is aimed at slowing Iran’s race for a nuclear weapon lies what could be a fleeting reference to the Book of Esther, the Old Testament tale in which the Jews pre-empt a Persian plot to destroy them.
That use of the word “Myrtus” — which can be read as an allusion to Esther — to name a file inside the code is one of several murky clues that have emerged as computer experts try to trace the origin and purpose of the rogue Stuxnet program, which seeks out a specific kind of command module for industrial equipment.
If you're wondering how you get Myrtus from Esther . . . Esther's original Hebrew name was Hadassah, meaning Myrtle. Incidentally, the guava fruit is also part of the Myrtus family, and one of the code modules is identified as Guava.
So do you think it's Israel? The U.S.? Neither?
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Comments :
Aug '10
Re: In nuclear battle, a Biblical clue?
The Israelis have a gift for computers, AI, and software. Many of the best processors ever built were designed there. It's highly likely that they're sabotaging the Iranian program, and I certainly hope we're helping them. This could be far more effective than bombing, which is always problematic.
Jul '10
Re: In nuclear battle, a Biblical clue?
If we were involved, there would be a Page One story in the NYTimes by now with names and details.
Re: In nuclear battle, a Biblical clue?
Is there a patriotic guava fruit lobby? They'd be a suspect as well.
May '10
Re: In nuclear battle, a Biblical clue?
I hope it is both, and others. I also hope this is not a new development and the continuation of years of similar efforts.
May '10
Re: In nuclear battle, a Biblical clue?
Obviously, Mexico is behind it.
Whoever designed it, and for whatever reason, that knowledge isn't necessary for political repercussions. The Iranian government and many other groups will use the vague story to justify a wide variety of arguments and actions.
Sep '10
Re: In nuclear battle, a Biblical clue?
With our inept spy capabilities, and a weak willed administration, there is no way we did it. If this is for real, it had to be the Israelis.