Flight Communication - Navigation system hacks

In our last article over In-flight entertainment system we talked about In-flight entertainment system hacks  and resets. As well as the ways somebody can reset or crash the system. In this article we will cover the subject of about flight navigation system and satellite communication equipment used onboard.We will also try to understand the security of these devices with the help of ethical hacking course master Mike Stevens.

The most common satellite navigation and satellite communication equipment used onboard is COBHAM AVIATOR 700D Communication Solution.AVIATOR 700D is a feature rich Swift Broadband, and Classic Aero Service solution is the ultimate communications solution for the cabin and the cockpit. It allows access to the Inmarsat Aero H+ and Swift Broadband services in one powerful, integrated system. Designed for multiple application flexibility to use in different kinds of commercial and personal aircraft platforms. It allows satellite communication and smooth cockpit and cabin connectivity. As per comments from information security training expert, Anita Thomas, if somebody would hack a flight communication system, they would have to hack into a system like COBHAM AVIATOR 700D. The systems allows Swift Broadband channel simultaneous data and voice communication., along with wired and wireless web browsing and corporate VPN access.It also allows wireless use of smartphones for Internet services along with built-in router and an Ethernet switch for multiple equipment support. And the same communication system provides a built-in wireless access point option, explains ethical hacking course master Mike Stevens. In-flight entertainment systems are also connected to this communication system so that flight crew can communicate with the user In-flight entertainment system for any delivery of messages or content. Inmarsat’s satellite network provides both voice and broadband data communication along with an onboard communication system. These satellite networks are the world’s leading commercial mobile broadband satellite services. These satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometers above the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, facilitating a reliable global coverage.Combined with systems like AVIATOR 700D terminals this solution offers high quality voice and data connectivity of the airplane with the satellite, the earth station and the In-flight entertainment system.Information security training experts suggest that hackers look out of for these kind of connected systems and can find vulnerabilities in communication system to hack the communication system. As per our ethical hacking course expert, if somebody knows the vulnerability of a firmware of communication systems or by someway is able to access a communication system via In-flight entertainment system or onboard wireless access point, it can lead to communication control issues. In our next article we will discuss more about these communication equipment and their vulnerabilities, as well as discuss more about satellite communication security. Keep following us. Information security training expert Anita Thomas says that if normal people can crash or reset these systems, what can be expected from expert hackers if the systems are connected. In our next article we will cover research done by other ethical hackers in the industry and discuss more about satellite channel security.