[LINK] An interesting thought on virus liability

Adam Todd link at todd.inoz.com
Sun Apr 22 06:47:59 AEST 2007


Why not just get Jeppsens to use some form of encryption and key 
system and signature process for the updates to ensure they are as 
they are suppose to be.

It's not hard to create a key system and authentication of data process.


At 12:03 PM 18/04/2007, Howard Lowndes wrote:
>I have a situation with a client who operates charter aircraft up to 
>5700kg (think 9 seaters), but this might also apply to other, bigger, airlines.
>
>Almost without exception these aircraft have GPS navigation systems 
>as their primary navigation aid and these systems have to meet and 
>be maintained to quite specific standards, usually called TSOs.
>
>Most airlines source the navigation databases for these systems from 
>Jeppsens in the US and they are supplied as a CD which is then used 
>with Jeppsen supplied (Windows only) software to transfer the 
>databases to a flash card which is then used in the onboard GPS system.
>
>My concern is that I don't believe the problem of possible database 
>corruption in the transfer process due to an introduced virus has 
>been addressed and given the potential for a corrupted database 
>resulting in a catastrophic incident, I find the thought disturbing.
>
>I am thinking that I should recommend to my client that he maintains 
>a dedicated PC under engineering control for the purpose of these transfers.
>
>What are your thoughts.
>
>--
>Howard.
>LANNet Computing Associates - Your Linux people <http://lannetlinux.com>
>When you want a computer system that works, just choose Linux;
>When you want a computer system that works, just, choose Microsoft.
>--
>Flatter government, not fatter government; abolish the Australian states.
>
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