US watchdog warns internet on flights could facilitate terrorism through hackers

A US government watchdog has warned that the internet access available on most commercial flights could make it possible for hackers to bring down a plan and facilitate terrorism.

According to Stuff.co.nz, the finding was revealed by the Government Accountability Office that represents the chilling new scenarios for passengers.

It points out that as airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration try to modernise planes and flight tracking with internet-based technology, attackers have a new vulnerability they could exploit.

According to the report, FAA and cybersecurity experts told investigators that airlines rely on "firewalls" to create barriers. But because firewalls are software, they could be hacked.