Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - I'm glad Cathay has no plans to buy the 787s

Found this on Wiki for 787

"In January 2008, previous Federal Aviation Administration concerns came to light regarding protection of the 787's networks from possible intentional or unintentional passenger access.[119][120] The computer network in the passenger compartment, designed to give passengers in-flight internet access, is connected to the airplane's control, navigation and communication systems.[119]

Boeing says various hardware and software solutions are employed to protect the airplane systems including air gaps for the physical separation of the networks, and firewalls for their software separation. Measures are provided so data cannot be transferred from the passenger internet system to the maintenance or navigation systems. As part of certification Boeing plans to demonstrate to the FAA that these provisions are acceptable"

Uhm.... as a computer network administrator for 20+ years, I can tell you if you give me enough time (which on a long haul flight shouldn't be a problem) I can hack into the 787 control, navigation, and communication systems.

What the hack is Boeing thinking? Did they not hire any computer security expert to double check their work? I wouldn't even wire my house this way.

It's going to be a long way until the Boeing 787 comes into service. Until then I'm pretty sure that Boeing will address and fix this problem (Hint: Physical separation of the networks). I haven't encountered flights that have Wi-Fi networks, but if I have enough time I can crack through those as well.

It's going to be a long way until the Boeing 787 comes into service.....
Not really, first set of flights begin the end of this month with delivery scheduled in March 2010. Any redesign will require extensive testing and hence more delays...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124536311756129009.html

It's going to be a long way until the Boeing 787 comes into service. Until then I'm pretty sure that Boeing will address and fix this problem (Hint: Physical separation of the networks). I haven't encountered flights that have Wi-Fi networks, but if I have enough time I can crack through those as well.

There should be an easy fix to this--just turn it off. It might be an unpleasant option for some, but if it jeopardizes the aircraft's safety, I am sure the pax won't complain.

LAX

So this will be another Hurdle into the 787 Dreamliner !

It's going to be a long way until the Boeing 787 comes into service. Until then I'm pretty sure that Boeing will address and fix this problem (Hint: Physical separation of the networks). I haven't encountered flights that have Wi-Fi networks, but if I have enough time I can crack through those as well.

I would almost guarantee that the bird will take flight this weekend. She's undergoing runway testing as we speak with first flight very, very soon after.

Found this on Wiki for 787

"In January 2008, previous Federal Aviation Administration concerns came to light regarding protection of the 787's networks from possible intentional or unintentional passenger access.[119][120] The computer network in the passenger compartment, designed to give passengers in-flight internet access, is connected to the airplane's control, navigation and communication systems.[119]

Boeing says various hardware and software solutions are employed to protect the airplane systems including air gaps for the physical separation of the networks, and firewalls for their software separation. Measures are provided so data cannot be transferred from the passenger internet system to the maintenance or navigation systems. As part of certification Boeing plans to demonstrate to the FAA that these provisions are acceptable"

Uhm.... as a computer network administrator for 20+ years, I can tell you if you give me enough time (which on a long haul flight shouldn't be a problem) I can hack into the 787 control, navigation, and communication systems.

What the hack is Boeing thinking? Did they not hire any computer security expert to double check their work? I wouldn't even wire my house this way.

Well boeing is pretty smart.

JUST FREAKING SEPARATE THE INTERNET from the central systems. It shouldn't be that hard. I mean, Just physically put it like nowhere near the flight critical systems. Don't connect the critical systems to the network.
:confused: Comon. Like OP said, I would never integrate my water system/electricity to the network.

sandbox the internet. Do not allow any connections other than those for pax , and another issue (internet would be great) but with all those pax using the system , the bandwith would drop!!

I would almost guarantee that the bird will take flight this weekend. She's undergoing runway testing as we speak with first flight very, very soon after.

First flight should be on Jun 28th

Simple - separate server(s) for pax and a/c and never shall the twain meet.

Simple - separate server(s) for pax and a/c and never shall the twain meet.

Yes, however, I am just shock that.

1) Boeing, being a multi-billion dollar company, with tons of experts personnel, allowed this obviously dubious, illogical, horrific, security-lacking design to pass the drawing board, implement it, and actually built it.

2) Like another post said if Boeing chooses to redesign the systems, i.e. separate the A/C from internet, by law they would need to redo all the extensive testing involved to launch this plane. I seriously doubt they will do this because many airlines are already restless to the delays of 787 and are cancelling orders. Boeing wants to get it out the door ASAP.

3) I can see the only solution they will do is to install a "Firewall" or "Software Security" - which translates into - HACK HEAVEN.

787 better just announce they will NOT allow passengers to use their internet system or otherwise I would not fly on it. Airline security screens bombs, not hacking ability.

Yes, however, I am just shock that.

1) Boeing, being a multi-billion dollar company, with tons of experts personnel, allowed this obviously dubious, illogical, horrific, security-lacking design to pass the drawing board, implement it, and actually built it.

2) Like another post said if Boeing chooses to redesign the systems, i.e. separate the A/C from internet, by law they would need to redo all the extensive testing involved to launch this plane. I seriously doubt they will do this because many airlines are already restless to the delays of 787 and are cancelling orders. Boeing wants to get it out the door ASAP.

3) I can see the only solution they will do is to install a "Firewall" or "Software Security" - which translates into - HACK HEAVEN.

787 better just announce they will NOT allow passengers to use their internet system or otherwise I would not fly on it. Airline security screens bombs, not hacking ability.

I think I read it somewhere in previous report saying the link is only to be use by the captain to switch to and fore the announcement system (you know all IFE is pause when announcement is in progress)

For me automation is good most of the time, but not for something as silly as this which the risk associated out-weight it too much

Just fresh from the press, 787, not unexpected, is once again delayed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8115147.stm

CX has learnt its lesson from the 346s! I always think it is a smart decision of them.

I would almost guarantee that the bird will take flight this weekend. She's undergoing runway testing as we speak with first flight very, very soon after.

Nope, sorry. They are delaying the first flight, again. But this happens all the time with completely new airplane models like with the A380. Let's not try to judge an aircraft before it comes into service.

This is not looking good for Boeing.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124576258516441545.html

Yes I'm more concerned by the fact that only now have they found structural problems - what other problems are going to come to light after it enters service??

Yes I'm more concerned by the fact that only now have they found structural problems - what other problems are going to come to light after it enters service??

Goes down the same way as the A380.

As much as I'd like to keep this interesting topic here, I can't cos CX didn't buy any 787s and frankly this topic is already being discussed here : http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/newsstand/705086-boeing-may-delay-787-maiden-flight.html

So please carry on with your observations there.

Thank you

Guy Betsy
Cathay Pacific Asiamiles forum moderator