Aircraft computer systems could be vulnerable to hacking, report finds

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Due to recent trends in the aviation industry — airplane systems becoming more automated, more connected computer systems and even broader Internet connections — there is growing concern that modern jetliners are vulnerable to hacking.

So much so that government watchdogs have detailed the possible security risks in a new report.

In a report released Tuesday, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs a "more comprehensive approach" to security as aviation systems are upgraded. Although it found potential scenarios for security weaknesses (e.g. a hacker taking control of an airplane using a laptop connected to onboard Wi-Fi), the report concluded that the FAA is generally heading in the right direction with its implementation. Read more...

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