Control Engineering

Peter Welander

Before you go up in a Dreamliner...
January 9, 2008

If you need something to bring the "cyber security is a life and death matter" message home in your own mind, consider this: The FAA has told Boeing that they need to reconsider how computer networks are divided on the new 787 Dreamliner. Why? Take a look at a quote from an article in Wired Magazine:

"Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner passenger jet may have a serious security vulnerability in its on board computer networks that could allow passengers to access the plane's control systems, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The computer network in the Dreamliner's passenger compartment, designed to give passengers in-flight Internet access, is connected to the plane's control, navigation and communication systems, an FAA report reveals."

Yes, that is as dumb as it sounds. Boeing has tried to downplay the situation claiming that there are safeguards, but says it will fix the networks before any planes are delivered. I should hope so. Imagine a plane load of passengers, many bored and facing several hours with nothing to do. If ever there was a situation designed to challenge the mind of a hacker, that's one.

Let us not forget, there are no absolute network barriers, only levels of protection. That applies to your plant's control system as well. Don't make the same mistake.

Posted by Peter Welander on January 9, 2008 | Comments (0)