- Dec 30, 2012
- 4,809
A range of crucial satellite systems manufactured by some of the world’s biggest government contractors contain severe vulnerabilities that could be exploited to disrupt military operations and flight-safety communications, researchers have warned.
Security consultancy IOActive says it has uncovered various vulnerabilities in software and ground-based satellite systems manufactured by British suppliers Cobham and Inmarsat. US firms Harris Corporation, Hughes and Iridium were also said to have produced vulnerable kit, alongside Thuraya, a UAE provider, and Japan Radio Company.
The US Computer Emergency Response Team based in Carnegie Mellon University, which is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, warned about a handful of the vulnerabilities in January.
But on Wednesday information on more alleged weaknesses was released, amid growing concern the contractors are ignoring the threats. The latest report from IOActive suggested there were some easily hackable systems, many of which were designed for keeping aircraft, ships and army personnel safe.
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Security consultancy IOActive says it has uncovered various vulnerabilities in software and ground-based satellite systems manufactured by British suppliers Cobham and Inmarsat. US firms Harris Corporation, Hughes and Iridium were also said to have produced vulnerable kit, alongside Thuraya, a UAE provider, and Japan Radio Company.
The US Computer Emergency Response Team based in Carnegie Mellon University, which is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, warned about a handful of the vulnerabilities in January.
But on Wednesday information on more alleged weaknesses was released, amid growing concern the contractors are ignoring the threats. The latest report from IOActive suggested there were some easily hackable systems, many of which were designed for keeping aircraft, ships and army personnel safe.
More