At #38c3, we presented our #BlinkenCity research, which started as a fun art project idea, and ended up as a plausible European #blackout scenario.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAf-T3bFJFs

Details: https://positive.security/blog/blinkencity-38c3

TL;DR: Some European countries use unencrypted and unauthenticated #longwave radio to steer parts of their renewable power, enough to potentially cause a Europe-wide blackout.

The control signals can be sent with just a #Flipper Zero over short distance, or via self-built transmitters over a long distance (e.g. using a kite to lift an antenna wire).

The system is also used for street lamp control, allowing for a scaled-up “Project #Blinkenlights” art installation that transforms an entire city into a screen (for astronauts).

The company operating this system has threatened us with lawsuits and (now publicly) denies the risk.