Hacker Claims To Have Exposed Dangerous Flaws In Aircraft Security
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- A computer security expert and hacker claims that he has exposed dangerous flaws in aircraft security.
Chris Roberts, told federal agents that he had "identified vulnerabilities" and on one flight, "successfully commanded the system," and took control of a plane, making it fly sideways, according to a newly surfaced affidavit.
As CBS2's Matt Kozar reported, Roberts told the FBI he compromised aircraft systems between 15 to 20 times in three years by hacking into inflight entertainment units under passenger seats.
Agents confiscated two of Roberts' laptops and several hard drives.
In March, he told Fox News he was talking with the FAA.
"You basically have to understand how computer networks work, how avionics systems work, and then be able to translate and communicate between those systems," he said.
The FBI has not confirmed whether Roberts hacked into aircraft systems, but warned him he could be prosecuted if he gains access to airline networks.
On Sunday Roberts tweeted, "Over my last 5 years my only interest has been to improve aircraft security...given the current situation I've been advised against saying much."
Despite Roberts' claims, he has never been charged with a crime.
"It does open a debate, but we need to keep ourselves clearly ahead of anyone who might try to do this," CBS News Transportation Analyst, Mark Rosenker said.
The affidavit did not specify which flight Roberts claimed to cause to fly sideways.