Hackers ‘can hijack your PLANE remotely’ using a flaw found in 13 major airline in-flight systems
Hackers can access a plane's controls remotely using a flaw in an in-flight entertainment system used by 13 major airlines, according to cyber researchers
HACKERS can access a plane’s controls while it’s mile-high thanks to a flaw found in most major airlines, it has been claimed.
A flaw in an in-flight entertainment system used by Emirates, Virgin and Qatar airlines could let hackers remotely access the plane, according to cyber security researchers at IOActive.
The security hole in the Panasonic Avionics in-flight system is used in planes run by 13 major airlines and could put passengers' information and safety at risk, the cyber-sleuths told ZDnet.
They claim they were able to hijack in-flight displays to change information like altitude, location and alter the announcements.
Principal security consultant Ruben Santamarta said: "Chained together this could be an unsettling experience for passengers.”
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He was able to access credit card details of frequent fliers stored in the automatic payment system.
Santamarta warned that it was “totally feasible” to access the aircraft’s controls too.
Panasonic denied this was possible.
A spokesperson said: "The allegations made to the press by IOActive regarding in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems manufactured by Panasonic Avionics Corporation contain a number of inaccurate and misleading statements about Panasonic’s systems. These misstatements and inaccuracies call into question many of the assertions made by IOActive."
It’s the latest mode of transport to be hacked in a terrifying example of the chaos that could be unleashed by malicious hackers.
Ethical hackers were able to take control of a Jeep Cherokee from ten miles away and cut its engine, causing it to veer off the motorway.
The security hole was present in more than 470,000 cars made by Fiat Chrysler.
Email account holders were warned that they may be at risk of identity fraud after Yahoo revealed it had been hacked in 2013.
And millions of Brits' personal data are already being flogged on the dark web for thousands.
An Emirates spokesperson said: "Emirates has been a long-term partner of Panasonic Aviation Corporation (PAC) and we utilise their inflight entertainment (IFE) systems on our aircraft. Matters of aviation cybersecurity are of utmost importance to Emirates and we continuously work with Panasonic on robust assessments to update our IFE systems and have measures in place to resolve any issues. The safety of our passengers and crew on board is a priority and will not be compromised."
Virgin added: "In-flight entertainment systems on our aircraft are completely isolated from the flight control systems. The safety and security of our aircraft is our top priority and we work closely with the aircraft manufacturers, Panasonic and all third party technical suppliers to ensure any systems they provide us are safe and secure."
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