UW Computer Security Research and Course Blog

Summary

FAA imposed a “special conditions” to let Boeing installed an in-flight internet access for the study/test purposes for the next 787 Dreamliner aircraft. But the new system will not be available on the next release of Dreamliner until it is passed this flight worthiness test. Boeing is confident on the new system will not interfere with the critical flight system as many people might have thought. On the other hand, FAA is not entirely convinced, but willing to see the prospect of the technology for future commercial aircraft feature. FAA and Boeing assure that the internet system and flight system will be on separate from each other and passengers should not be worry of this new improvement. However, further studies need to be conducted, especially in terms of the overall system vulnerabilities against malicious passengers and people on the ground.

Discussion
The in-flight internet access system has been envisioned by many of us since the internet wireless revolution. For some people, it is important to remain connected to the world by any means necessary. They can use the internet for entertainment or even for business depending on the purpose of their trip. The new system can definitely make do similar activity as if you are in front of the computer connected to the internet.

People are so accustomed with wireless technology since it is more convenient without the mess of the cable. It is also a solution to give connectivity to passenger on board without drilling any holes on the aircraft’s wall.

As all of us might remember, Boeing has been announcing delays on the delivery of Dreamliner last year. However, under the Pat Shanahan direction, the Dreamliner is back on track on this January. We can speculate that Boeing is trying to add this internet access feature in the Dreamliner. Interesting fact is that we haven’t quite solved the security for on-the-ground wireless in public places like in the coffee shop. While in the coffee shop, customers are directly connected to the router. In the aircraft, passengers will be not connected to a router which is part of a bigger system, some of which are critical to survival of the aircraft.

Reflection
If the aircraft maker decided to install connectivity to the internet as the feature of the aircraft, then perhaps it will start by making it available via wires. Passengers will user their Ethernet cable to hook up to the internet. Boeing tried to push this idea, but it seems the market and the general population already been bought by the convenience of wireless connectivity idea. The only hindrance back then was the effect of electronic equipment to the flight navigation system; even cell phones need to be turned off before and after a flight.

If the demand for in-flight internet system was so high before the wireless revolution, aircraft maker might develop a completely new system that is independent from the flight system. Thus, it is possible that it will be using different protocol and different frequency that will not interfere with flight communication or navigation. However, this means that current wireless technology will be different and suitable for cabin environment of an aircraft.

Broader Issue
The issue that might arise once the internet system is fully tested and approved of public use is probably the same as the one we have here on the ground. For example security issues, like confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the internet connection in the aircraft. What will prevent a malicious user to attack other user in an aircraft? Who are responsible to protect the user if such incident occurs? If this malicious user is hypothetically caught in mid-air, what will the crew’s action?

Passengers will not hesitant to bring laptop and take advantage the internet for entertainment and business purposes. If more passengers are using laptops, then they will need to recharge the laptop as soon as the battery runs out. This means that aircraft has to be prepared for its battery to supply such energy. It might increase the service cost and make the aircraft fare a slightly higher.

Possible Reaction
Due to the current economy, people lean towards choosing air travel that can give them more savings. The cheapest fare might not be the one with internet access. Thus, people must weigh the benefit of having an internet access or not. In addition, the issue of security still exists and your computer might be exposed to the same danger as if you are connecting through an internet at a coffee shop.

More and more internet security company will market their products and label them to be “in-flight safe”. On the other side, the hackers/crackers will become more creative to hack them. Not to mention the skeptical people who think that in-flight internet is like given a small bit of the aircraft control or a small bit of the puzzle to control the aircraft.