A security expert has exposed what could be some serious security flaws within the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's network components. The new exposé alleged that the planes in question represented potential exploitation of hackers.
According to a WIRED report released on Thursday, a security researcher with IOActive Ruben Santamarta discovered an unprotected server in the company's network last year. He also found after a year of observing the data he downloaded from the open server that there are security lapses in a particular component within the 787 Dreamliner.
Industry experts pointed out that Santamarta's discovery could mean the 787 Dreamliners are prone to cybersecurity attacks due to the flaws he pinpointed in the component in question. The bigger issue is whether or not hackers could penetrate the supposedly highly-private flight control systems of the planes.
Boeing has since responded to Santamarta's claims, denying that the jets in question could be attacked by hackers. The American airplane maker said there is no possible way to pull off a cybersecurity attack on the 787 Dreamliner's systems.
Despite Boeing's denial of the possibility that the Dreamliner could be infiltrated by hackers, some industry analysts stressed that the leaked codes are still pointing to the company's shortcomings in ensuring that its planes are 100 percent durable against cybersecurity attacks.
Santamarta admitted that his research could not completely prove that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner could be attacked by hackers since he does not have a physical plane to test. However, he reiterated that his findings indicate one issue: it is possible to attack the jets.
Boeing said it has tested the 787 Dreamliner for potential security-related attacks but found that such attacks could not penetrate the jet's system. "While we appreciate responsible engagement from independent cybersecurity researchers, we're disappointed in IOActive's irresponsible presentation," the company said in a statement.
News of the possible issues the 787 Dreamliner holds came amid delays in getting the Boeing 737 Max back in the air. CEO Dennis Muilenburg said this week that he has personally flown two test flights. However, the scrutiny continues.
His statements came as the Boeing 737 Max remains grounded worldwide. It is unclear when the jets will be recertified for flying. Multiple airlines have taken the planes out of their schedules until late 2019.
Meanwhile, families of the victims of the two crashes involving the 737 Max jets continue to push the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and authorities to take action. A letter has been submitted to the FAA this week, urging full recertification before the jets are allowed to fly again.
