U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson is demanding answers from airlines and the federal government after a "massive hack" of the no-fly list. The congressman sent a letter to the airlines and the Department of Homeland Security asking for an explanation of the incident, which involved a hacker exploiting a vulnerability in the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Secure Flight System.
The hack, first reported by USA Today, affected several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. According to the newspaper, the hack compromised the personal information of travelers on the airlines' no-fly lists, potentially jeopardizing the security of those travelers.
In the letter, Congressman Thompson, who chairs the House Committee on Homeland Security, asked the airlines to explain how their systems were breached, how many travelers were affected, and what preventative measures they are taking to ensure the security of their passengers in the future. He also asked the TSA to provide information about the security features of the Secure Flight System and the extent of any potential harm to passengers.
It is not yet clear who is responsible for the hack or what their motive was. But the incident highlights the vulnerability of the aviation security system and raises questions about the safety and security of air travel in the United States. In the wake of the incident, Congressman Thompson and other members of Congress have called for a full investigation into the hack and for increased scrutiny of tech security measures.
The suspected hack of the no-fly list could have serious implications for travelers and the airlines. It could lead to delays in the processing of security-related information, as well as potential changes to airline policies and procedures. It could also result in an increase in security costs for airlines and travelers, resulting in higher prices and fewer options.
Ultimately, the hack of the no-fly list demonstrates the need for better security measures and demonstrates the potential impacts of cybersecurity breaches on travel and security. As Congressman Thompson noted in his letter, "The security of our nation's transportation networks and the safety of the traveling public must be our highest priority, and this incident should serve as a wake-up call to the industry and the government."
This Cyber News was published on therecord.media. Publication date: Tue, 24 Jan 2023 14:51:03 +0000