Hacker says to show passenger jets at risk of cyber attack

REUTERS ^ | Aug 4, 2014 | Jim Finkle

[McGruff]

Cyber security researcher Ruben Santamarta says he has figured out how to hack the satellite communications equipment on passenger jets through their WiFi and inflight entertainment systems - a claim that, if confirmed, could prompt a review of aircraft security.

Santamarta, a consultant with cyber security firm IOActive, is scheduled to lay out the technical details of his research at this week's Black Hat hacking conference in Las Vegas, an annual convention where thousands of hackers and security experts meet to discuss emerging cyber threats and improve security measures.

[McGruff]

Well that's kinda scary.

[trisham]

"Is freedom anything else than the right to live as we wish?
Nothing else."

~Epictetus

God bless this site, this Free Republic.
Please click the pic

[Rennes Templar]

The last “24” series could ring true.

[Black Agnes]

Happy thoughts ping!

[b4its2late]

Take away the WIFI if they can’s secure it 100%. I’d be fine with that.

[zeugma]

Why the hell would the aircraft have any link between the inflight wifi networks and avionics? What the hell were they thinking? If this is true, it's just another reason not to fly, over and above the unconstitutional searches and TSA perverts.

[DouglasKC]

I’ve always suspected that’s the reason why nobody can use cell phones during takeoff or landing...most dangerous parts and if hacked deadly.

[dinodino]

It’s not true. I work on these systems. Hacking the entertainment system will not give you any control over the aircraft.

[null and void]

Gee, thanks!

[zeugma]

We shall see. If true it will be released at BlackHat in a couple of weeks.

[dinodino]

All we are going to see is a fat nerd proving he can put a picture of a penguin on the entertainment system. He won’t be able to touch flight-critical systems.