WASHINGTON: Security flaws in many satellite telecommunications systems leave them open to hackers, raising potential risks for aviation, shipping, military and other sectors, security researchers said on Thursday.

A paper released by the security firm IOActive found “multiple high risk vulnerabilities” in all the satellite systems studied.

“These vulnerabilities have the potential to allow a malicious actor to intercept, manipulate, or block communications, and in some cases, to remotely take control of the physical device,” the report said.

Ruben Santamarta, author of the report, said he was concerned “because satellite communications are used in a variety of critical scenarios. “Santamarta said that most ships and aircraft use satellite communications, and in some cases military communications use these commercial satellite systems.

If the systems are compromised, he said, “for military communications, a foreign government or agency can target these devices and they can track the location of units and soldiers. “For aircraft or ships, he said, an attacker “can spoof data” and either block or disrupt emergency communications. Because of the nature of the systems using satellites, Santamarta said, “we expected better security.

“Santamarta said he had no evidence of any disruption affecting Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, but noted that “it is technically possible” that its communications could have been tampered with.—AFP