Wireless devices used by private pilots vulnerable to security attacks: Study

Wireless devices used by private pilots vulnerable to security attacks: Study
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Researchers state that wireless devices and apps used by private pilots during flights are vulnerable to a range of security attacks.

Scientists have found that apps and wireless devices used by private pilots are vulnerable to attacks by hackers. The report stated that by attacking these devices, hackers could gain control over the aircraft as well as control over the information the pilot sees.

According to the report the three most commonly used devices – the Appareo Stratus 2 receiver with the ForeFlight app; the Garmin GDL 39 receiver with the Garmin Pilot app; and the SageTech Clarity CL01 with the WingX Pro7 app- are used to access information, which is same as the information provided to the pilots of private jets, for  a much lesser cost.

Researchers found that the systems in high end cockpits were for more than 20,000 dollars while the instruments found in the private planes were available for just 1,000. To display the information, the devices have to be paired with tablet computers or with iPad apps that reportedly have flaws.

The Researchers from the University of California, San Diego and John Hopkins University presented their findings at the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security in Scottsdale, Ariz on Nov 5.

Recently a security flaw was discovered in iOS can makes apps and iPhones open to data theft. The flaw called 'Masque Attack' leaves Apple's iOS vulnerable to cyber attacks by hackers seeking access to sensitive data and control of the users devices. Cyber security firm FireEye says that the security flaw is a much bigger threat than WireLurker malware discovered earlier this month.

Source: BS

Silky Malhotra

Silky Malhotra

Silky Malhotra loves learning about new technology, gadgets, and more. When she isn’t writing, she is usually found reading, watching Netflix, gardening, travelling, or trying out new cuisines. View Full Profile

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