Could hackers bring down your holiday jet? Passenger planes could be sent spiralling into evasive action by geeks using ‘ghost planes’ to trick pilots’ SatNav, hacker claims
Hacker claims it is possible to insert 'ghost' planes onto flight tracking software that could force jets to take evasive action
A HACKER claims it is possible for would-be terrorists to hack a passenger jet's systems and send it spiralling into evasive action - all from their own bedroom.
The unnamed hacker reckons it is only a matter of time before a malicious computer whizz uses their nous to cause havoc in the skies.
They told The Sun how hackers can easily access the ADS-B system - which allows planes to track each other in the sky.
It is the system commonly used by flight-tracking websites and journey updates on board passenger jets.
But as an unencrypted system, it is left exposed to hackers who could insert false information onto the map and send planes on the wrong course.
In theory, a hacker could easily insert a fake aircraft onto a map and send a passenger jet into a last second dive to avoid a collision with the ghost plane.
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But while it might be possible to force a plane to take evasive action, one cyber security expert says it would be virtually impossible to seize controls of a jet from a laptop.
Professor David Stupples, an expert in electronic warfare told The Sun: "It would be very, very difficult to do.
"The controls of a plane are connected through an umbilical cord with the ground.
"They have a very secure encrypted link. Airlines are very sensitive about this and security is very hard."
And even if someone was able to gain controls of a plane, Prof Stupples reckons it would be difficult to bring a jet down.
He added: "To cause an aeroplane crash you have to be able to understand how the control systems work and how the pilot react.
"So, yes, it's possible, but it's very difficult."
The terrifying prospect was featured in drama series The Tunnel, during which hackers brought down a jet into the English Channel.
Only this week it was revealed that German cyber security experts are desperately working to make sure their fighter jets cannot be compromised.
Head of the German Military Aviation Authority, Major General Ansgar Rieks warned that Germany must invest in its cyber defence.
He spoke of his concern after being shown a demonstration that proved it would take equipment worth just £5,000 to hack a supersonic warplane.
Last year it was claimed a loophole in several commercial carriers' in-flight entertainment systems could allow hackers to access plane controls.
The Telegraph reported how hackers could theoretically dim lights, alter announcements and change altitude information.
Expert Ruben Santamarta told the paper: "I don't believe these systems can resist solid attacks from skilled malicious actors."
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