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The intense heat and force of the blast wave?

Maybe the effect of radioactive fallout that rains down over a much larger area?

Well, if this report is to be believed, it's probably neither of those.

The most debilitating effect of a nuclear strike may well be the huge electromagnetic pulse that such a blast (if correctly configured and positioned) would have on the hi-tech infrastructure of almost any westernised country.

Interesting stuff!

But nukes aren't the only danger to our infrastructure -- it seems that those cute little RFID tags that we're told will become just as common as barcodes also have a weakness.

It seems that hackers are already targeting RFID technology from two angles -- one is to effectively disable them, the other is to alter their programming or program replacements so that bogus information can be introduced to things such as point-of sale systems.

I wonder how long before we see the first major fraud involving hacked RFID systems?

Now have your say Got something to say about today's column, or want to see what others think?  Visit The Forums While you're here, why not visit the Aardvark Hall of Shame and perhaps make your own nomination.

And while on the subject of hacking, it looks as if there's a real fist-fight brewing between RealNetworks and Apple over the iPod.

It seems that Apple is none too pleased with the way RealNetworks has reverse-engineered their digital rights management system so as to allow iPod users to download music from Real's Rhapsody music service.

This, Apple claims, may well be a breach of the USA's Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

I can hear the thrashing of corporate sharks who smell blood and are just waiting to be unleashed.

Lighten-Up
Boy, this week sure flashed by quick and it's time for the levity you've all been keenly awaiting.

Here's a very innovative piece of mobile marketing that I don't think we'd see here -- given that breastfeeding ads are deemed to be too raunchy for young children to be exposed to.

Does anyone have a tinfoil hat for this Christian?

Now this site has enough funny stuff to keep you laughing all day so grab a coffee, lock the door and enjoy. To save you time, here are some of my favourites:

• How the hell did that happen?
• Spot the blonde
• Beware the propellor
• A compact car

Enjoy!

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