U.S. Issues Security Warning Over Hacking Risks Of Small Airplanes

The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning that small planes are vulnerable to hackers after learning of a vulnerability that could allow a hacker to alter the readings on the plane's instruments.

The cybersecurity firm Rapid7 discovered the security flaw and shared their findings with federal officials. A hacker would need to gain physical access to the aircraft in order to exploit the vulnerability by installing a hidden device that is connected to the plane's systems.

DHS officials are recommending that airports and plane owners restrict access to their aircraft until the industry can fix the vulnerability. There are no reports that anybody has exploited the security flaw. Officials are concerned because if somebody does it could have devastating consequences.

"The researchers have outlined that engine telemetry readings, compass and attitude data, altitude, airspeeds, and angle of attack could all be manipulated to provide false measurements to the pilot," the DHS critical infrastructure computer emergency response team explained. "The researchers have further outlined that a pilot relying on instrument readings would be unable to distinguish between false and legitimate readings, which could result in loss of control of the affected aircraft."

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