Boeing 787's security scrutinized

Before Boeing Co.'s new 787 jetliner gets the green light to fly passengers, the aircraft maker will have to prove offering Internet access in the cabin won't leave the flight controls vulnerable to hackers and hijackers.

Chicago-based Boeing claims it has engineered safeguards to shut out unauthorized users, but some security analysts worry navigation and communications systems could be vulnerable.

"The odds of this being perfect are zero," said Bruce Schneier, chief technology officer at the security services firm BT Counterpane. "It's possible Boeing can make their connection to the Internet secure. If they do, it will be the first time in mankind anyone's done that."

But Boeing spokeswoman Lori Gunter said the 787's aviation electronics "are not connected in any way to the Internet."

Boeing has designed the 787 to allow airlines to offer passengers more in-flight entertainment and Internet options than previous planes have allowed.

Those new features and other aspects of 787's computer network go beyond the scope of existing regulations, so the Federal Aviation Administration is requiring Boeing to show the new technology won't pose a safety threat.

An FAA spokesman said the agency has been working closely with Boeing and is pleased so far.

"We are always in constant communication and are satisfied with what they have provided," FAA spokesman Allen Kenitzer said.

Boeing is set to deliver the first 787 by the end of the year.