Hacker's Claims of Controlling Aircraft Engine Raise Safety Concerns

Strategic Insights -

A cyber security expert, claiming to have hacked into computer systems aboard airliners up to 20 times, has raised concerns about the security of commercial aircraft. The expert, who has not been named, alleged that they were able to control an aircraft engine during a flight. The claims were made public through a Twitter post by Chris Roberts, a self-proclaimed hacker who was detained by the FBI in April for allegedly hacking into the aircraft computer system on a United Airlines flight. A search warrant application filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York confirms the investigation into Roberts for possible computer crimes. The incident has sparked concerns about the security of modern aircraft, with some experts questioning the effectiveness of measures in place to protect against hacking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chris Roberts, a self-proclaimed hacker, was detained by the FBI in April for allegedly hacking into the aircraft computer system on a United Airlines flight.
  • A cyber security expert claims to have hacked into computer systems aboard airliners up to 20 times, including controlling an aircraft engine during a flight.
  • Airbus has stated that it has security measures in place, including firewalls, to restrict access to aircraft systems and is constantly assessing and revising its system architecture.
  • The incident has raised concerns about the security of commercial aircraft and the effectiveness of measures in place to protect against hacking.
  • The FBI is investigating Chris Roberts for possible computer crimes.
  • Airbus has not yet issued a response to allegations that some planes could be hacked.

Statistics:

  • 20: The number of times a cyber security expert claims to have hacked into computer systems aboard airliners.
  • 1: The number of times a hacker allegedly controlled an aircraft engine during a flight.
  • 1: The number of people detained by the FBI in April for allegedly hacking into the aircraft computer system.

Sources:

[1] CNN

[2] US Federal court documents, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York

[3] US Eturbo News