New Boeing jet 'vulnerable to hackers'
09 January 2008The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that Boeing's new plane could be vulnerable to computer hackers.
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner has been equipped with on-board networks and internet access that have not been used in an aeroplane before.
The FAA warned that these facilities could enable a hacker to tamper with elements of the jet's operations and insisted that any networks used on-board the plane must be designed in such a way to prevent outside access.
In a statement, the administration said that computerisation of the Dreamliner "may result in security vulnerabilities from intentional or unintentional corruption of data and systems critical to the [plane's] safety and maintenance".
The level of control a hacker could gain is unclear, although it is thought that the systems that control the plane's physical functions, such as steering, are impervious to hacking.
Chuck Royalty, head of security for the 787 Dreamliner, told USA Today that Boeing has already taken action to install extra security in the new plane, which is scheduled to go into service by the end of 2008.
"It's a very structured approach to ensure that we don't leave any gaps," he said.