Way off topic. Gas availability Tx-Co

[frnkeore]

Welcome back to 1973!!!

[cjshaker]

I’m suggesting we separate critical systems from the internet.  This pipeline is only 45% of fuel for a few states...could be worse. Large parts of the nation held hostage by an invisible enemy should not be possible.

Never happen. Everything is based on, and run by, software these days. To operate, these systems have to communicate with each other, and the internet is the only way. Where I work, the campus' entire HVAC system has been converted over to computer run software. While it has its advantages, there are also some major drawbacks....and risks, as can be seen currently with whats happening.

As R.E.M. said, it's the end of the world as we know it. 

[475fetoploader]

Here’s one from left field. I bought a set of led cafe lights to hang on a covered balcony. They are color changing. But you have to download an app, link via Bluetooth or WiFi with your phone, to make them change colors. So so have an $85 string of lights that I can’t make plain white, because their app is functioning.  It’s making it difficult for me to not be biased about the old stuff being better.

[TJ]

I’m suggesting we separate critical systems from the internet.  This pipeline is only 45% of fuel for a few states...could be worse. Large parts of the nation held hostage by an invisible enemy should not be possible.

Never happen. Everything is based on, and run by, software these days. To operate, these systems have to communicate with each other, and the internet is the only way. Where I work, the campus' entire HVAC system has been converted over to computer run software. While it has its advantages, there are also some major drawbacks....and risks, as can be seen currently with whats happening.

As R.E.M. said, it's the end of the world as we know it. 

I’m afraid you might be right.  Lot of things would work just fine without the interconnected software but we’re hooked...like the Bluetooth connected light bulbs.  Reminds me of the episode of Home Improvement where Tim the toolman mounts a gas engine on a screwdriver.  Sometimes these “updates” are silly and as we’ve seen with the pipeline hack, make us vulnerable.

[Diogenes]

A big reason all these companies build "apps" into their products is so they can data mine your activities and market the data. I enjoy many of the benefits of tech, but learned long ago to be vigilant with regards to privacy and personal data. Many people are quite oblivious to these issues when utilizing products/tech. Ford "allows" you to download an app for remote start and for vehicle location and maintenance updates, but of course this gives them wide access to your vehicle's data (connected to 4g networks). Of course you must subscribe and pay data rates to a cell provider as well. The data sharing is on when you purchase, but can be turned off (but how do I know it is off?). I'm considering disconnecting the "shark fin" antenna on my Transit.

All this tech interwoven into critical infrastructure (and not so critical) is also about profit margins--eliminate the workers at a switch with a phone and replace them with tech connectivity. Yes, things can be more efficient, but there are many downfalls to this as well. We will see more of this in the future, and there may be far more harmful results--fuel shortages are child's play compared to what may be possible.

But hey, if it's new it's got to be better, right?

[FE4SPDMustang]

There is much to say that is simply fact. I didn't delve deep into it just for those reasons. I'm actually surprised some of these forums aren't attacked. Our hobby is under attack, as is our way of life.  The truth is ignorance and the silencing of discussion only further compounds the issue. It makes it hard for us to unite to counter it. 
It can be done with civility.

[chilly460]

It can be done with civility.

Lololol...have you seen how the "internet" works?  Guys get into pissing matches over much more trivial matters. 

No, it can't be done in a civil manner.  Don't take this as me disagreeing with statements made, it's not about that.  I'm just suggesting we stow the conversation because it's going to make Jay's life more difficult. 

[HarleyJack17]

Diogenes has it correct. Profit. It is absolutely absurd to have infrastructure attached to the WWW. Same as with your car. It is not a question of "IF" there will be an attack it is "WHEN". This is really systems design 101. Data that is needed yes, but control never! This is why. The pipeline instance is also blown a bit out of proportion too.  Post Pandemic scare hype.   Other price changes has more to do with lack of labor.  There is a supply shortage on lumber, plastics, etc. due to much of the workforce not being involved and only a few players producing. Saw Mills...look into it.
All of it 100% predictable....you can't shutter economies and expect no ill effects.

We are migrating to an ERP software system here at work....what a joke.   Our old system is a tank but you have to know how to run SQL to get data out and most can't, or won't learn.  The new system I certainly hope is more capable then what we see installing it. You ask questions pertaining to certain daily processes/accounting and you get a completely dumbfounded look.   Unless their implementation team is just oblivious, this stuff ignores large portions of reconciliation at the core processes.  Web based etc.... I guess I am old school in that you have to approach things logically and with common sense. It has to work day in and day out.  Being hacked and unable to produce is unacceptable.  You would not accept it at home, so why at your job? If leaders feel it is, then they need to be upgraded. Just my .02 worth about .01.

On a side note, let them put gas in the plastic bags. At some point we just have to let the laws of nature take their course.     

[jayb]

Again, we have to get into politics   Come on guys, I've now had to delete one member for this, NO POLITICS on this forum please...