Old Boeing 747s can now connect to the internet, but only with new security rules

The US aviation regulator is allowing older Boeing 747s to connect their internal systems to external networks like the internet. This means these planes must now meet new cybersecurity standards to prevent unauthorized access.

For decades, airplane systems were designed to be isolated from outside networks, a core part of their safety. This change acknowledges that modern connectivity is now a necessary feature, even for older aircraft. It means that the safety of these planes now depends on digital security as much as physical engineering.