Federal authorities have launched an investigation into the actions of a cyber security consultant who claims to have hacked several commercials flights’ computer systems, even causing one aircraft to bank sideways.
According to an official search warrant application, Chris Roberts told the FBI in April that he compromised commercial flights during 15 to 20 occasions from 2011 to 2014 by hacking the vessels’ in-flight entertainment systems.
During one such incident, Roberts allegedly was able to access a plane’s navigational system and caused the craft to veer sideways briefly mid-flight.
On Sunday, Roberts tweeted that his actions were motivated by his desire to help make aircraft security safer, but refrained from commenting further.
Over last 5 years my only interest has been to improve aircraft security…given the current situation I’ve been advised against saying much
— Chris Roberts (@Sidragon1) May 17, 2015
In a report published last month, the U.S. Government Accountability Office warned that new aircraft might be susceptible to having their in-flight computer systems penetrated via onboard wi-fi networks.
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