Study: Security of Aviation Apps Questioned | Aviation International News

Study: Security of Aviation Apps Questioned

Pilots should double-check data presented on aviation tablet applications to prevent possible security breaches.

Apps on pilots’ devices provide useful supplementary information, but the study’s authors expressed concern that some pilots rely on them for primary flight data.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

December 4, 2014

A recently published study conducted by the University of California San Diego and Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore) claims to have identified security vulnerabilities in tablet apps and hardware used by pilots. The study examined three popular apps and hardware that provide data to these apps: ForeFlight Mobile and the Stratus 2; Garmin Pilot and the GDL 39; and WingX Pro7 and the SageTech Clarity CL01. According to the study’s abstract, “We found all three to be vulnerable, allowing an attacker to manipulate information presented to the pilot, which in some scenarios would lead to catastrophic outcomes.” The two equipment suppliers that responded to AIN’s questions dispute the alleged vulnerabilities.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

AINsight: LOC-I Is Leading Killer in Business Aviation

Accounts for 83% of fatalities in the executive/corporate segment

Article preview image

IBAC Core Program To Guide Small Ops on Risk Management

IBAC's industry partners program continues to grow

Newest Jet Aviation FBO Achieves IS-BAH Stage 2

IBAC launched the voluntary safety program in 2014

Jet Aviation KOPF

ACSF Launches Dedicated Member Safety Program

Program provides members with ongoing safety support

Safety Lift is the ACSF's new Member Assistance Program.

ForeFlight Ties Safety Management to Flight-planning Data

Designed to help small to midsize business aviation operations meet modern safety standards

ForeFlight SMS

MD Onboard Adds Pediatric Services, Psychology Support

Clients can access mental health services and child-specific medical assistance

MD Onboard's preflight medical advice

NBAA Honors Hundreds with Flying Safety Awards

Whirlpool to recieve 75-Year Flying Safety Award

Battery Fire at Archer’s San Jose Lab Forces Evacuation

Three people were hurt and about 100 evacuated after a test pack overheated

Archer’s battery pack production line