Hacker to reveal cyber-attack risks to planes

[BOSTON] Cybersecurity researcher Ruben Santamarta says he has figured out how to hack the satellite communications equipment on passenger jets through their Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment systems - a claim that, if confirmed, could prompt a review of aircraft security.

Mr Santamarta, a consultant with cybersecurity firm IOActive, is scheduled to lay out the technical details of his research at this week's Black Hat hacking conference in Las Vegas, an annual convention where thousands of hackers and security experts meet to discuss emerging cyber threats and improve security measures.

His presentation tomorrow on vulnerabilities in satellite communications systems used in aerospace and other industries is expected to be one of the most widely watched at the conference. "These devices are wide open. The goal of this talk is to help change that situation," Mr Santamarta, 32, told Reuters.