http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/iraqi-insurgents-using-26-software-to-monitor-predator-video-fe/
This article which references a recent Wall Street Journal Article states that Iraqi insurgents are using $26 dollar software to grab the feeds produced by unmanned recon dones from what has always been an unencrypted transmit links. While I understand there are some costs associated with maintaining a certain level of encryption I am very surprised the military does not employ it in their missions in Iraq. They now say they are working to encrypt all feeds but there are issues with the outdated proprietary network that the predator which is the un manned vehicle uses.
To me this article raises a couple of issues in my mind. One is a horrible indication of key decision makers underestimating their enemy. I am certain if this were a higher status enemey even such as north korea that it would be likely more steps would be taken to maintain privacy of transmission feeds.
The other issue is wheter or not there are competent people leading the armed forces in regards to IT. A story like this leads me to believe that it would benefit our miliarty operations to hire a few very technologically comepetent leaders from other private companies or industries to make better decisions and institute better practices
