Watchdog agency warns that newer U.S. airplanes are vulnerable to in-flight hacking

U.S. commercial airliners could be hacked while in the air through a plane's wireless entertainment system, the U.S. Government Accountability Office said in a report released Tuesday, giving an attacker access to flight controls and the fate of the airplane.

"Internet connectivity in the cabin should be considered a direct link between the aircraft and the outside world, which includes potential malicious actors," the report said. Investigators talked to cybersecurity experts, who said that if flight control and onboard entertainment systems use the same wiring and routers, firewalls meant to keep out hackers could be breached, Reuters reports. Another expert said that a virus or malware could be installed on websites passengers visit, setting up an opportunity for an attack.

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta agreed that there are several weaknesses when it comes to cybersecurity aboard planes, and the agency is working with government security experts to determine what areas are vulnerable. "The threat will continue to evolve and it is something that needs to be at the forefront of our thinking," he said.

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