It’s a truism that technology itself is neither good nor bad – and it all depends on how people use it. “The very first the technology in the world was probably fire, “says expert security and founder of the Institute for the Study of Crimes of the Future Mark Goodman. “With it, you can cook your own food, and you can burn the neighboring village. “And the only difference is that the rapid pace of technological progress now allows it’s easier for people to use it for good or for evil.
Below we present you a list of innovations that have been designed to make the world a better place – but turned into destruction tools.
9. Zyklon B
A photo from open sources
This poison became famous due to the fact that it was used by the Nazis. in death camps, but initially Zyklon B was a pesticide and disinfectant. Its active component is hydrogen cyanide, which did not live up to expectations as a chemical weapon during the First World War II. It has become a popular pest control tool. in citrus orchards and as an industrial disinfectant for clothes. U.S. Immigration Services used it for pest control Mexican immigrant clothing in 1930 for fear of outbreaks typhoid. Various variations of this chemical are still available. in the Czech Republic.
8. Dynamite
A photo from open sources
Alfred Nobel originally invented dynamite for geological works and construction, which made it possible to lay underground tunnels are much simpler. Nobel’s innovation was in the method of stabilization of nitroglycerin, which in its natural The state is extremely unstable. But ease of manufacture and ubiquitous made dynamite a favorite weapon terrorists and anarchists.
7. Tor project
A photo from open sources
Tor was developed in 2002 and allowed redirecting Internet traffic so that users of this system are much harder to track; it lacks the usual digital tracks. is he became a blessing to many dissidents and informants, including Chinese activists and Edward Snowden. From 2004 to 2005 Electronic Frontier Foundation supported Tor Project, as well as Knight Foundation. But Tor has also become a haven for criminal activity. The famous Silk Road, which the FBI was able to close 1 October this year, has become a giant drug market, and in addition to there are many sites in Tor that sell anything – from weapons to child pornography.
6. The accounting and analytical machine
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Herman Holleret invented the counting and analytical machine (CAM) in 1884 year; she allowed the American Census Bureau to hold 1890 census in one year. Before, it took eight years. Holleret’s invention – punch cards that could store data – revolutionized record keeping and marked the beginning of an era modern computer computing, and later he founded the company Tabulating Machine Company, which became famous IBM.
In the 1930s, IBM, through its German division, supplied his first-class cars to the Third Reich, who used them to collect data on German citizens. Holocaust could happen and without these machines, but census data allowed the regime Fuhrer calculate Jews, gypsies and other ethnic minorities with much more light.
5. Phosgene
A photo from open sources
Phosgene (COCl2) began its life as a component of artificial dyes in the 19th century, and still plays an important role in the industry. is he also an important ingredient in polyurethane precursors. And in World War I, he became famous throughout the world as deadly. gas weapon.
4. Google Earth
A photo from open sources
Which of us didn’t run Google Map at least once to find the desired address, or Google Earth, to admire some place on the planet? However, this same information is extremely useful for terrorists, as shown by the attacks on Mumbai in 2008, which forced indian authorities to ask google to blur some images, and even led to legal action against the company. And in England thieves used google earth to calculate churches with lead roofs from which they were able to steal metal and sell its on the black market.
3. Remote access tools
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They were created to help system administrators decide all kinds of problems. The technical support team is capable of help you access your computer from your office, and you you don’t have to physically drive your computer to them. And of course it was not long before they became favorite a tool for hackers who, in addition to accessing files, got the ability to take control of webcams and microphones.
2. Biotechnology
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This is a letter that was sent to Senator Tom Dashle in 2001. year as part of anthrax attack
In the modern world, tools for hacking biology are no longer are the patrimony of large laboratories. Now people have the ability to conduct synthetic biological experiments in own garage, and the cost of biocomponent is constantly reduced. Organizations like Genspace and BioCurious even offer “experimental areas” for enthusiasts.
But the ability to conduct biological experiments at home also means that events like the 2001 Anthrax attacks, that led to the deaths of five people, any day can easily repeat again.
1. Robots
A photo from open sources
Decades ago, science fiction writers foresaw the future, in which robots serve humans. At least in part, their vision became a reality – Roomba cleans our floors, and industrial robots build anything from cars to computers. But robots also kill people – as we can see in the case of drones. IN American Army has active projects aimed at developing land and sea autonomous armed systems, and the UN even calls for outlawing such developments.
War robots
