DHS: Teenager’s Malware Disrupted 911 Call Centers in 12 States

An 18-year-old named Meetkumar Hiteshbhai Desai created a malware bug that was designed to send DDoS attacks to public service answering points (PSAPs). The virus worked by first compromising iPhones and from there contacting various emergency personnel services. As a result, 911 call centers were unable to tell which calls were coming in from the malware and which were actual calls for help. In total, The Department of Homeland Security revealed that call centers in up to 12 different states were affected by the bug before it was shut down. Desai had attached the virus to a link on social media, which resulted in nearly 150,000 views prior to the page being shut down.  He was arrested on three counts of computer tampering. In a world where social media is the largest platform for communication, Desai’s malware highlights the growing ability for malware to reach a multitude of hosts in a very short amount of time.