Vulnerability of telephone systems

Telephone companies are investing heavily in advanced computer systems to manage their networks. In general this lowers costs and makes calls connect more quickly, and permits a greater variety of voice and data services. However it also increases the degree of central control such that any failure, even at a local level, can have unforeseen widespread effects.

In 1990 in the USA a small computer error at an exchange in New Jersey led to a major failure of a continent-wide telephone network over a period of 9 hours, during which 50% of the long-distance calls could not be made.

1. Vulnerability of high technology systems
2. Inadequate structures for communication

1. Dysfunctional public telephones

1. National insecurity and vulnerability
2. Disaster unpreparedness

1. Natural disasters
2. Jamming of satellite communications
3. Inadequate satellite capacity for telecommunications
4. Inadequate maintenance equipment
5. Fires

1. Insecurity of mobile telephone communication

1. Vulnerability
2. Undependability
3. Service
4. Lack
5. Invulnerability