"US Warns of 'Smart' Highway Threat: Foreign-Made Solar Panels Spying on US Roads"

US Warns of Hidden Radios in Solar-Powered Highway Infrastructure, Raises Security Concerns In a recent advisory, the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration issued a warning that foreign-made solar-powered highway infrastructure may contain hidden radios embedded in inverters and batteries. According to Reuters, the four-page security note, which has not been previously reported, suggests that undocumented cellular radios have been discovered in certain power inverters and battery management systems. The advisory comes amid escalating government action over the presence of Chinese technology in America's transportation infrastructure. US officials are urging authorities to inventory inverters across the country to assess the extent of the issue, sparking concerns over remote tampering and data theft. As the US government scrutinizes its transportation infrastructure for potential security risks, experts warn that the discovery of hidden radios could have significant implications for national security. The warning specifically targets solar-powered highway infrastructure made by foreign manufacturers, although it does not specify where these products were imported or which countries are involved. According to a copy of the advisory reviewed by Reuters, the undocumented cellular radios were discovered in "certain foreign-manufactured power inverters and BMS," referring to battery management systems. "This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention," said a spokesperson for the US Department of Transportation. "We urge all authorities to take necessary steps to inventory their inverters and assess the extent of the problem." The discovery of hidden radios in solar-powered highway infrastructure has raised concerns over data security and potential tampering with critical infrastructure. Experts warn that these devices could be used to remotely access or manipulate sensitive information, compromising national security. "This is a classic example of a 'Trojan horse' scenario," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a cybersecurity expert at the University of California, Berkeley. "These hidden radios could provide an entry point for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to our critical infrastructure." The US government has been scrutinizing its transportation infrastructure for potential security risks in recent years, and this latest warning is part of that effort. The Department of Transportation has not specified what actions it will take next or how it plans to address the issue. As the investigation continues, officials are urging authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect national security. With the discovery of hidden radios in solar-powered highway infrastructure, one thing is clear: the US government will be taking a closer look at its transportation systems to ensure they are secure from potential threats. In related news, the US Department of Commerce has announced plans to review all foreign-made solar panels and inverters used in American transportation infrastructure. The agency has not specified what measures it will take next or how long the review process will take. The incident highlights the importance of ensuring that critical infrastructure is designed with security in mind from the outset. As experts warn, the discovery of hidden radios in solar-powered highway infrastructure serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect national security. This story was first reported by Reuters on [date] and has been updated with additional information from multiple sources. This story was compiled from reports by Slashdot and Slashdot.