Airport.ca the travel blog

JAN

WiFi Is a Security Risk For Some Airplanes

laptop airplane

Getting airplanes equipped to support WiFi internet access is a major priority for air carriers right now. Customers are craving it. However, not all aircraft are having an easy time securing their WiFi network. Imagine if a passenger was able to hack into the airplane's network using the WiFi service with or without their knowledge - and doing so could enable that passenger to take control of the aircraft. According to the FAA, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has this vulnerability and has ordered it to be fixed before flying. Should we be worried if the passenger next to us starts playing Flight Simulator X? It certainly doesn't appear to be the case, and thankfully they are catching this security vulnerability before the airplane hits the skies.

FAA and Boeing have already agreed on the tests that the plane manufacturer will have to do to demonstrate that it has addressed the FAA's security concerns. "It will all be done before the first airplane is delivered," she said.

via gridskip
via wired
image mamamusings

TAGS: 787 boeing faa internet security wifi wireless