This one comes to us thanks to Rob:

http://www.wired.com/politics/security/news/2008/01/dreamliner_security

And I quote:

Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner passenger jet may have a serious security vulnerability in its onboard 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. … Gunter wouldn’t go into detail about how Boeing is tackling the issue but says it is employing a combination of solutions that involves some physical separation of the networks, known as “air gaps,” and software firewalls. Gunter also mentioned other technical solutions, which she said are proprietary and didn’t want to discuss in public.

I can’t imagine anything so insanely stupid as to allow any physical connection between the control system and the passenger side of the network. Haven’t we learned anything over the past 30 years? We can never fully predict how a system like that will behave.

I’m not even talking terrorist scenarios; all it takes is one accidental denial of service glitch to, well, you know.

I think I’m going to go play some video games or something now.

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