Seven people own the keys to switch off the internet.

[ijKs Snow]

Not sure if this posted before, but I couldn't find it here.

 

Original Source

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/28/seven-people-keys-worldwide-internet-security-web

 

Very interesting read. I suggest reading the full article.

 

Basically, ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigning Names and Numbers) made an "on/off" switch for the DNS (Domain Name System).

ICANN assigns websites an address (ex. linustechtips.com is the address. without it, we would have to type in a series of numbers for the IP address of this website.)

 

ICANN made 7 PHYSICAL keys given to 7 individuals (unknown who they are) who work at different internet security institutions all over the world. The keys individually does nothing, but if you are able to collect all 7 keys it will form a new key. The new key will open a safety deposit box (location unknown) which contains a key card that can generate a new master key. There are another 7 BACK-UP key given to another set of 7 individuals all over the world who hold key cards that will generate a back up key. So 14 people in total.

 

Each year, each key holder must send ICANN a photo of themselves with the physical key in one hand, and the current day's newspaper in the other hand.

 

Technically, shutting down the DNS is not going to turn off the internet, but it will be equivalent of blocking all the roads to get to your destinations. To get to a website, you type in the address which the DNS is responsible for. Turning it off would mean people will have to type in the IP address of the website they want to visit.

 

Sounds like a movie plot, but it's interesting to know that there are actual physical keys to the roads of the internet.

 

 

[DoubleY]

Whooaaaaaa

[mr moose]

 

 

Technically, shutting down the DNS is not going to turn off the internet, but it will be equivalent of blocking all the roads to get to your destinations.

 

It would actually be like taking all the road names off the street signs rather than blocking the roads as you can still use the roads, you just don't know which one.

 

Anyway the whole things sounds bloody corny and made up.

[Imabigmac]

Can't wait for teksyndicate to respond to that.....

[Antistatic12]

Michael Bay film incoming.... expect explosions.

[iNothing]

Blew my mind

[ijKs Snow]

It would actually be like taking all the road names off the street signs rather than blocking the roads as you can still use the roads, you just don't know which one.

 

Anyway the whole things sounds bloody corny and made up.

Yeah, when I first read it 2 weeks ago, it sounded like some hoax. But, there doesn't seem to be any article to refute the story. Still interesting.

[Izaya Orihara]

Michael Bay film incoming.... expect explosions.

And bullshit, 

[mr moose]

Yeah, when I first read it 2 weeks ago, it sounded like some hoax. But, there doesn't seem to be any article to refute the story. Still interesting.

Not saying it is or isn't, just that is sounds like it.  They may as well have said, "there is a secret key that turns off the net, the Janitor keeps it on the second shelf on the right behind the toilet cleaner."

[jscho]

Not saying it is or isn't, just that is sounds like it.  They may as well have said, "there is a secret key that turns off the net, the Janitor keeps it on the second shelf on the right behind the toilet cleaner."

 

No one would look there. :lol:

[TheMightyNoob01]

Is there one key to rule them all?

[Kuzma]

Is there one key to rule them all?

The funny part is there most likely is.

[Bluuz]

Is there one key to rule them all?

7 were given to the men, wisest and fairest, trusted to guard the secret.

and 7 more, to those who didn't quite make the first cut.

 

This whole thing sounds like a video game plot.

A mysterious man hires you to find the seven keys through any means necessary, after you do he shuts down the DNS.

You must then find the back up seven to restore balance to the world.

[Ineko]

I wonder what situation would require them to basically disable the internet?

[ShadowCaptain]

I wonder what situation would require them to basically disable the internet?

 

your display picture? haha that would make me shut off the internet

[Ineko]

your display picture? haha that would make me shut off the internet

 

Mate, that ass is glorious.

[Mitrailleuse]

I now know how to hold the world for ransom

[SangeetKhatri]

THE TEK!!

[Nomelas]

The name's Bond, James Bond

[dyent10]

this is not news. this is non sense from guardian... 

[Paralectic]

New in theatres near you: The DNS Disaster!

[Ciccioo]

ILLUMINATI

 

10 - 7 = 3

HL3 CONFIRMED

[AstroZombie1]

Not quite as scary as this however. 

 

http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/05/how-to-destroy-the-internet/

[LifesCompanion]

Consider my mind blown (if it's true) 

[LifesCompanion]

ILLUMINATI

 

10 - 7 = 3

HL3 CONFIRMED