Islamist Militants 'Steal' 11 Commercial Planes In Libya, Sparking Terror Attack Fears

Huffington Post UK ^ | Sept. 3, 2014

[butterdezillion]

I might add that I had somebody try to post on my blog this past week, saying that they would like to see my head sawed off on TV. It was apparently somebody in the US hiding behind a German IP address.

I am wondering if I should go to the police with that blog comment, in conjunction with the alarm/door system problems the past 2 weeks at the school where I work. I’m sure the police would probably think I’m paranoid, but that doesn’t matter, if the kids and staff at the school are at risk.

[Fred Nerks]

If it worries you, why not tell the police about both items, and let them decide if they might be related? It’s doubtful, but you will have peace of mind - as if such a thing is possible under the current situation...anyone who isn’t a bit paranoid by now isn’t conscious.

[Marine_Uncle]

RE: "Could a hacker remotely reset the security system so that they could get access when the school thought they were safe?"

Not an easy question to answer. Many factors have to be taken
into account. Is the system a standalone system where say
only those who have maintenance access locally (while in the
school), have access to the system, verse, say the company
the security service has the system tied into the INTERNET.

In the first example. Probably all is on the level, simply
faulty electronic components being replaced with likewise
components with some fault, or poor maintenance service.

In the second case. If the system is tied into the INTERNET
over less then secure services, then a hacker could given,the tools, meddle with the system.

[butterdezillion]

I think/hope it’s handled locally. There is some kind of programming box on the wall like we have with our home thermostat; does that give any clue?

[Marine_Uncle]

RE: "does that give any clue?......"
No. All these type systems have similar hardware.
What you folks have is probably the same type systems say,
Home Depot would have for it's administrative office areas
any school, local, state, federal government facility, business of all types would have.
I believe you are putting yourself through concerns that
thought understandably justified, you have no control over.
Things break. Sometimes the repair services are not up to snuff, and or the replacement hardware may have problems as well.

[WildHighlander57]

Transponders send signals FROM the aircraft.

A radar sends signals TO the aircraft, which get reflected by it and come back to the radar.

This happens whether the transponder is on or off.

Hard to hide a big commercial jet from a military radar.

[WildHighlander57]

Butterdezillion, to answer your question:

Yes. Radar will see the plane even with the transponder off.