Gov’t watchdog warns of aircraft hacking risks
A US government watchdog says the Federal Aviation Administration has not done enough to protect aircraft from cyberattacks.
The Government Accountability Office says improvements are needed as the FAA cannot ‘ensure sufficient oversight to guard against evolving avionics cybersecurity risks.’
The GAO report wants the aviation regulator to implement a risk assessment of security risks to aircraft systems and conduct training for inspectors to identify vulnerabilities.
The report states there are ‘new opportunities for persons with malicious intentions to target commercial transport airplanes’ although there have been no reports of successful hacks of aircatft in flight.
Airbus says cyber-penetration tests have been conducted in France, Germany and the UK and Boeing says third-party testing has taken place during airplane certification after a request by the FAA.
The FAA has acknowledged the risks and agrees with most of the recommendations in the report.
The GAO report focused on avionic systems that transmit data to maintenance personnel and air traffic control towers.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps