A security researcher reportedly told authorities he’s been able to hack into aircraft computer systems mid-flight through the in-flight entertainment systems.
An FBI agent’s court filing says the researcher claims he was even able to cause a plane to move sideways.
Security and government experts say such cyber threats are real given that airplanes are increasingly connected to the Internet.
Researcher Chris Roberts was questioned at the Syracuse, New York, airport April 15 after suggesting on Twitter while flying from Chicago that he could get the oxygen masks to deploy. The FBI detailed the incident in seeking a search warrant for Roberts’ laptop and other electronics.
Roberts declined to comment Monday from his Denver, Colorado, office. Through his attorney, he said his only interest is improving aircraft safety.
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Security and government experts say such cyber threats are real given that airplanes are increasingly connected to the Internet.
Who exactly says such things?
Simply because a plane has a wifi hotspot doesn’t mean the planes controls are connected to the internet, anymore than my home wifi can control my lights, hvac, stove, etc.
Airliners (unlike drones) can’t be controlled from the ground because their controls are not network connected to anything outside the aircraft. Air traffic controllers cannot fly planes.
Here’s a primer: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3013858/Why-t-airlines-seize-control-doomed-jets-ground-technology-exists-pilots-companies-refuse-use-it.html
This guy just sounds like a bullshit artist praying on gullible reporters who repeat silly sentences without actually checking them out factually to boost his brand and get spots on Fox News.
Yeah, I’d like to see a diagram of how this is possible.
l33T Cheat code: Hold Vol Up & Vol Down, then Back, then Weather channel ( 13), Enter. Houston YOU have a problem. MAZA reprazent!!!
An FBI agent’s court filing says the researcher claims he was even able to cause a plane to move sideways.
Since a plane isn’t capable of moving sideways, period, that casts even more doubt on his claims.