Technology for Solar-Powered Highways May Be Monitoring Americans | Carscoops

      The government has recently issued a warning regarding the discovery of hidden cellular radios in equipment manufactured abroad.

      According to a recent advisory, American highway infrastructure may contain concealed communication technology. Specifically, radios have been found in solar-powered devices, including traffic signs.

      The purpose of these radios is unclear, but they might serve as a kill switch or for surveillance purposes.

      Foreign adversaries have been continuously targeting the United States, primarily through covert means. Every so often, a warning emerges that brings these threats into the open. A recent advisory from federal officials has done just that, indicating a potential act of technological aggression that is disguised in everyday equipment.

      As reported by Reuters, the Federal Highway Administration has cautioned stakeholders to inspect solar-powered devices for “rogue devices,” which could encompass items such as traffic signs, cameras, and weather stations that may contain hidden radios incorporated into batteries or inverters.

      Additionally, the advisory highlighted that undocumented cellular radios have been identified in “certain foreign-manufactured power inverters and battery management systems (BMS).” Although the note did not specify the origin of these components, a significant portion of this type of equipment is produced in China.

      The reasons for the presence of hidden radios are uncertain, but the warning has indicated potential dangers, including data theft and simultaneous outages. This suggests the possibility of these devices being utilized for purposes such as monitoring Americans and gathering data on traffic patterns.

      While this situation may not seem particularly thrilling, there could be a darker aspect. As the government hinted, these devices might possess a kill switch, which could be activated to disrupt highway infrastructure during an extensive attack on the United States. Such an action could result in chaos and traffic congestion during times of conflict.

      Currently, there are more inquiries than answers; however, the government has recommended that authorities employ spectrum analysis technology to scan highway infrastructure for “unexpected communications.” If any irregularities are detected, they advised disabling or removing any identified radios during the inspection process.

      When approached for comment, the Chinese Embassy stated that they oppose the “distortion and smear of China’s achievements in the field of energy infrastructure.”