Security risk on in-flight entertainment systems, say researchers

Air passengers could be subjected to a series of "shocking" incidents if security flaws in cabin entertainment systems were abused, say researchers. Security experts found flaws that let them take over cabin entertainment systems. The flaws could allow attackers to switch off lights, change altitude readings, display bogus maps and broadcast messages via the PA. Personal information and credit card data were also accessible via the bugs The weaknesses were found in the Panasonic Aero in-flight systems by Ruben Santamarta, a researcher at security firm IOActive. The Aero in-flight systems are used by many different airlines including Virgin, Emirates, Air France, American Airlines and KLM. "Security is not one of the system's main strengths," Santamarta said. <br/>