The mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Flight 370 continues to baffle investigators.  What we do know is that during the flight, two essential communication and location systems were turned off while the aircraft continued to fly.  Investigators appear to be focusing on the pilots or someone else on board physically turning off these systems.  But could the systems have been turned off by a hacker remotely sabotaging the plane?  The frightening answer is that theoretically this is possible.  In fact, in 2012, Boeing, the manufacturer of the Boeing 777 which was used on Flight 370 applied to the Federal Aviation Administration to make modifications to its onboard data systems because, according to federal records, “data network and design integration may result in security vulnerabilities from intentional or unintentional corruption of data systems critical to the safety and maintenance of the airplane… This may enable the exploitation of network security vulnerabilities and increased risks potentially resulting in unsafe conditions for the airplanes and occupants.”

In 2013, at a security summit, Hugo Teso showed that an Android smartphone could be used to take control of an airplane.  The FAA disputes Teso, but his theory appears sound.

TIPS

Until the aircraft is found, all we have is conjecture.  Hopefully, the truth will emerge and soon.