In the more conventional sense, most of us probably think of terrorist attacks on planes as someone with a bomb strapped to their chest, threatening to bring the plane and all those flying on it down in flames. The danger posed to airlines by those wanting to wreak havoc might be shifting, however, as cyber attacks are increasing in frequency.
It was only two weeks ago that we saw a plane come crashing down to earth following a software problem that caused three of the four propellers to stop working – and now this, an attack that Polish airline LOT is calling the first of its kind. Rappler reports:
The airline said in a statement on its website that the “IT attack” meant it was unable to create flight plans and flights were not able to depart from Warsaw…
Concerns around aviation and hacking are on the rise, compounded by a new wave of airliners connected to the Internet which have prompted fears that cyber terrorists could take control of planes remotely.
The incident in Warsaw resulted in 10 flights being cancelled and grounded 1 400 passengers flying out of the Polish capital.
Those with a keen eye on the news may remember back in May when cybersecurity consultant Chris Roberts claimed he had hacked a plane’s computer system and could control the movements of the plane.
Remind me to make my first drink a double next time I partake in some air travel.
[source:rappler]
