Boeing, electronic experts and engineers have debunked claims made by a security researcher that he hacked into and changed settings on a plane’s critical systems as fanciful and inconceivable.
Chris Roberts, a cyber security professional with One World Labs, has had his computers seized and was questioned by the FBI after he posted a tweet on board a United Airlines flight that he could tap into plane’s systems.
Mr Roberts told FBI that he had hacked the in-flight entertainment systems on up to 20 flights between 2011 and 2014 by physically connecting his computer to the system by prising open the under seat IFE box.
He also claimed that he was then able to alter the plane’s engine thrust and caused one flight to climb.
But in a statement Boeing said: IFE (in-flight entertainment) systems on commercial airplanes are isolated from flight and navigation systems. While these systems receive position data and have communication links, the design isolates them from the other systems on airplanes performing critical and essential functions.
Boeing also said that its planes have more than one navigational system available to pilots.
“No changes to the flight plans loaded into the airplane systems can take place without pilot review and approval. In addition, other systems, multiple security measures, and flight deck operating procedures help ensure safe and secure airplane operations.”
Also in-flight entertainment systems are designed to the highest level of security in aviation and electronic expert Peter Lemme told leading industry website Runwaygirlnetwork.com that it “is inconceivable” that Mr Roberts was able to alter the engine thrust on a flight.
Also there were no reports by the pilots of any thrust or course change.
Aircraft engineers that spoke to The West Australia yesterday said the claims were fanciful.
“It is imply not possible to do what Mr Roberts claimed,” said one engineer.
IFE industry consultant Michael Planey told Runwaygirlnetwork.com that in a post 9/11 world, the further claim that Mr Roberts tried to hack IFE systems multiple times by direct physical interface also seems fantastical.
“We have seen multiple instances of passengers being restrained by fellow passengers or flights diverted because a passenger is behaving abnormally,” said Mr Planey.
“I find it nearly impossible to believe Roberts could have done this type of an act over a dozen times and never had a flight crew or fellow passenger notice – that part stretches the imagination.”
Regardless pilots can over ride any thrust change in seconds.
However systems can be susceptible to random – and rare – electronic interference from mobile phones but that relates to creating navigation anomalies.
