Hacker proves passenger jets are at risk of cyber attacks

A cyber security researcher has worked out how to hack into passenger jets through the plane's Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment systems. If confirmed, the claim could prompt a comprehensive restructure of aircraft security, Itproportal.com reports.


Ruben Santamarta is a consultant with cyber security firm IOActive and is scheduled to delve into the detailed technicalities of his discovery at this week's Black Hat hacking conference in Las Vegas.


His presentation, centred around vulnerabilities in aerospace satellite communications systems, us expected to be one of the most widely watched at the annual conference.


""These devices are wide open. The goal of this talk is to help change that situation," the 32-year old security expert told Reuters.
Apparently Santamarta discovered the vulnerabilities through reverse engineering (or decoding) highly specialised software known as firmware. This firmware is normally used to operate communications equipment manufactured by Cobham Plc, Harris Corp, EchoStar Corp's Hughes Network Systems, Iridium Communications Inc and Japan Radio Co Ltd.