Two Android apps used in combat by US troops contained severe vulnerabilities (Video)
Apps were meant for training, never approved for combat. Whistleblower’s efforts helped shed light on vulnerabilities, despite leadership reprisals.
US military troops used two Android apps that contained severe vulnerabilities in live combat scenarios, a Navy Inspector General report revealed today.
The two apps are named KILSWITCH (Kinetic Integrated Low-Cost Software Integrated Tactical Combat Handheld) and APASS (Android Precision Assault Strike Suite).
Both apps work by showing satellite imagery of surroundings, including objectives, mission goals, nearby enemy and friendly forces.
The two apps work as a modern-day replacement for radios and paper maps and allow troops to use a real-time messaging client to coordinate with other military branches, and even call in air-strike support with a few simple screen taps, according to a DARPA press release and accompanying YouTube video.
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