Cyber Threats Faced by the Aviation Industry

 Cyberattacks in the Aviation Industry

Aviation Security

A combination of human and material resources are used in aviation security procedures to prevent unauthorized interference with flight. Its goal is to safeguard against any illegal interference the passengers, crew, airport workers, airline personnel, and the general public.

Cybersecurity Threats

Airports are susceptible to numerous cybersecurity dangers, some of which can be avoided. A distributed denial-of-service (DDOS) attack against the website of Bradley International Airport in Connecticut, USA, is a recent illustration of this. In a denial-of-service attack (DDOS), a number of computers try to bring down a single website by flooding it with traffic using botnets, which are networks of internet-connected devices. In this instance, the threat was eliminated with no consequence, and business as usual continued.

More computers and websites are recognizing DDOS threats as a concern, and IT teams are getting more and more aware of them. Additionally, airports and airlines are fully aware of the risk and have implemented mitigating strategies to divert the assault; these risks are not taken lightly.

The Dangers for Aviation

If cybersecurity risks are not adequately addressed, airlines and airports may experience a number of detrimental effects. Ransomware threats, which are evident in all businesses, are a serious headache for airlines as flights could be grounded, which would greatly damage finances with the small profit margins the airlines work on.

How Can Airports Avoid Cyberattacks?

• Visualize Network Traffic
• Isolate Critical Assets with Micro-Segmentation
• Secure Endpoints
• Manage Third-Party Contractors and Train Personnel 
• Remove Outdated Applications and Software

Personal Insights

The aviation industry may proactively mitigate cyber risks and guarantee a safer and more secure aviation ecosystem by executing supply chain mapping exercises, putting AI monitoring systems into place, and conducting cyber audits.

Conclusion

Tens of thousands of workers in the aviation sector are susceptible to manipulation or neglecting their security check-related responsibilities. In the end, cybersecurity dangers can happen, and while some can be avoided more easily than others, staff members strive to ensure that these problems are not overlooked. Airports and airlines must invest time and resources in training, but after it is finished, it must be repeated. Airlines and airports are realizing more and more that these procedures cannot be disregarded.

References

Mann, J. (2022, June 30). Cybersecurity threats in Aviation. Airport Technology Retrieved from: https://www.airport-technology.com/features/cybersecurity-threats-in-aviation/?cf-view&cf-closed

ColorTokens. (2023, June 16). The cybersecurity landscape for airports: Threats and mitigation Retrieved from: https://colortokens.com/blog/cybersecurity-for-airports-threats-mitigation/