In-flight entertainment systems on airplanes could be exploited by hackers to sabotage the cockpit electronics of new-generation aircraft that are connected to the internet, according to a report released by the US government, warning of the dangers.
"Modern communications technologies are increasingly used in aircraft systems, enabling unauthorized persons to gain access to or interfere with aircraft electronic systems," states a report prepared by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO).
In the past, the electronics used to control and navigate aircraft operated autonomously, reports Agence France-Presse, citing the GAO report.
"However, according to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and experts, the IP network can allow a hacker to remotely access and interfere with the aircraft's electronic systems."
In theory, a firewall protects electronic systems from any interference that may come from passengers using in-flight entertainment systems. However, several cybersecurity experts believe that firewalls can be interfered with or bypassed “like any other software.”.
According to Gerard Dillingham, one of the experts who wrote the report for the GAO, this issue particularly affects new-generation aircraft that offer in-flight internet connectivity, such as Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350. He told the French agency that so far there is no evidence to suggest that a virus or "malware" has interfered with the electronic systems of any aircraft.
The incident with the Germanwings plane crash, where the co-pilot allegedly locked the pilot out of the cockpit and led to the deaths of the 150 people on board, has given rise to discussions about the future development of robotic systems, which will replace human intervention in order to avoid such fatal accidents.
In response to the GAO report, Airbus said in a statement that "continuous assessments of our product architecture system are being conducted, with particular emphasis on creating and implementing the highest safety and security standards.".
For its part, Boeing announced that its aircraft include more than one navigation system that is available to pilots.
Source: skai.gr
