Passengers ‘can hijack cockpit from a laptop’ warn security experts
A passenger can easily gain control of an aircraft by hacking into the inflight wifi from a laptop, a team of security experts have warned.
It said that if the wifi shared the same router as the aircraft’s main avionics system, it would be simple for them to breach onboard flight operations.
The US-based team told the US Government Accountability Office that aircraft security certification standards must be beefed up.
"[The Federal Aviaition Agency] must focus on aircraft certification standards that would prevent a terrorist with a laptop in the cabin or on the ground from taking control of an airplane through the passenger Wi-Fi system," said Peter DeFazio, a member of the House Transportation Committee.
One cybersecurity expert claimed a virus could be planted in specific website visited by passengers during a flight , which could then access the main flight deck computer systems through infected machines.
The increased use of smartphones and tablets in the cockpit also increases the risk of crew members unwittingly spreading a virus.
The FAA has not issued industry wide certification standards relating to inflight cybersecurity but has powers to issue special rules in the US for specific risks.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports