Terrorists could use in-flight Wi-Fi to hijack planes from their laptops, experts warn
TERRORISTS could exploit in-flight WiFi to hijack passenger planes, experts have warned.
The findings by the US Government Accountability Office present chilling new scenarios for passengers and will spark fears of a hi-tech attack.
Cybersecurity experts told investigators that airlines are increasingly relying on "firewalls" to create barriers – which could be hacked.
In a worst-case scenario, a hijacker would sit among other passengers and take control of the airplane using its passenger Wi-Fi.
"That's a serious vulnerability, and FAA should work quickly" to fix the problem, US congressman Peter DeFazio said.
While the cockpit isn't typically connected to the same system used by passengers, it is not uncommon for both to share internal wiring.
The report warns as airlines attempt to modernise planes and flight tracking with internet-based technology, attackers have a new vulnerability to exploit.
"According to cybersecurity experts we interviewed, Internet connectivity in the cabin should be considered a direct link between the aircraft and the outside world, which includes potential malicious actors," it said.
The GAO released a separate report last March revealing the US system for directing lanes was at "increased and unnecessary risk" of being hacked.
