A man dubbed the “living Nostradamus” predicted the downfall of Microsoft’s service in April, and now claims it could lead to an “escalation of confrontation” and eventually cyberwar.
Athos Salome, 36, from Brazil, is often considered a psychic due to the accuracy of his insights and predictions, having previously predicted the coronavirus pandemic, Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter and even the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL in April, she warned that the world would see technological shutdowns this year that would throw the world into chaos.
The world has experienced a day of chaos as departure boards at airports immediately went dark on the busiest day for British air travel since before the Covid pandemic.
In a sign of the global impact of the cyber glitch, stores in Australia closed or ran out of cash after digital tills stopped working, while in the US emergency services lines went offline.
Meanwhile, British train passengers were warned to expect delays due to “widespread computer problems across the network”, while Sky News went off air and NHS England said patients should not attend GP appointments unless told otherwise due to problems with the appointment and patient records system.
Athos Salome, 36, a trained parapsychologist from Brazil, nicknamed the “living Nostradamus”, predicted the downfall of Microsoft’s service a few months ago.
Indian workers try to repair a malfunctioning information screen at Delhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
Microsoft confirmed it was investigating an “issue” with its 365 apps and operating systems and said a “resolution is forthcoming.”
US cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has admitted responsibility for the bug and said a fix has been put in place. The company said the bug was due to a “defect found in a single content update” and insisted the issue was “not a security incident or cyberattack.”
Speaking to FEMAIL, Athos said: ‘A global shutdown of Microsoft, according to the analyzed result, may affect essential infrastructure with the escalation of interstate confrontation and lead to a cyber war.
‘In the short term, investigations will be conducted and corrective measures will be taken to restore services and plan for future attacks.
“Companies will have to improve cyber protection and society may become concerned about the use of Internet services, which has led to talk of intensive regulation. This development may lead to changes in political actions and military tactics at the international level, and the threat of international war is real.”
Salome, who predicted “three days of darkness” in 2024, said her forecast was “misinterpreted” when it was previously linked to a coronal mass ejection (large ejections of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s corona).
He explained that this blackout alluded to the growing tension between Israel and Iran, which could pave the way for a large-scale conflict similar to a Third World War.
A piece of checked luggage is seen near a monitor displaying a blue error screen at a baggage claim area inside Newark International Airport.
‘Blue screen of death’ seen at Brisbane supermarket after blackout
NHS England has asked patients not to attend appointments unless told otherwise due to issues with the appointment and patient registration system.
Sky News went off air after technical problem with Microsoft operating system
EMP, a specialized tool designed to destroy information systems, is a weapon that can render electronic devices useless, without harming people or buildings.
Electromagnetic pulses, often triggered by high-altitude explosions, interact with the Earth’s magnetic fields to create pulses that can disrupt and damage electronic equipment and infrastructure.
During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union viewed EMP as a tool to disable enemy infrastructure without causing direct damage.
In 1962, the United States detonated a 1.4 megaton nuclear warhead, in an experiment known as Starfish Prime, high in the atmosphere, 400 kilometers (250 miles) above the Pacific Ocean.
The explosion – the world’s most powerful high-altitude nuclear test – created an electromagnetic pulse strong enough to disrupt global radio communications, cause the UK’s first satellite, Ariel-1, to fail and even blow out streetlights in Hawaii.
In today’s world, devices capable of replicating EMP effects exist, increasing the threat in modern technology-dependent scenarios.
There are non-nuclear localized electromagnetic devices that work by releasing a burst of energy in the radio frequency or microwave spectrum, which can overload and damage electronic components and systems, but they are only effective on a small scale and affect a small city.
However, the significance of EMP remains substantial, as it has the potential to destabilise defence and communication systems.
Salomé shared her perspective on the role of artificial intelligence in conflicts, such as the one between Israel and Iran, highlighting its potential to revolutionize war strategies and tactics.
The parapsychologist foresees a time in 2024 when both countries will be able to adopt AI technologies for defensive and offensive purposes.
He said: ‘AI is emerging again as a factor that could potentially serve both as a peacekeeping tool and as an instigator of new confrontations.
‘Advanced nations, including the United States, have been quietly moving forward in using EMP technologies for security purposes.
‘The United States has been exploring the capabilities of electromagnetic pulses since the Operation Prime tests in the 1960s, with the goal of using this technology to neutralize threats with minimal physical damage. Similarly, Russia and China are investing in electromagnetic pulse technologies as tools to destabilize the infrastructures of potential enemies.
‘Even North Korea, despite its limitations, is showing interest in EMP technology as part of its preemptive strike tactics.
“This shift in the adoption of electromagnetic weapons is a growing trend where electromagnetic pulse is no longer viewed simply as a weapon, but as an essential element of future military efforts that has the potential to significantly and rapidly disrupt critical systems.”
With the help of military history and technology expert Dr William Forstchen, MailOnline previously delved into the chilling potential of such an attack, exploring the unprecedented havoc it could wreak on Britain.