Cyber Security Threats to Aviation

In recent years, it seems that the threats to the aviation industry have shifted to be more focused on cybersecurity and new technologies from physical threats like suicide bombers.  In the time immediately following 9/11, changes were made domestically at the airports to help reduce the opportunities for physical threats.  However, it seems like the source of the threats probably haven’t changed just how they are planning to attack.  In an attempt to deliver enhanced convenience to their customers, the airlines are offering online reservation and check in systems, in-flight entertainment and WIFI which actually creates a vulnerability to hackers.  The ability to “hack the plane from the ground” has become a real possibility (Sayegh 2022), There are several layers of security the apply to this issue but Intelligence and Joint Terrorism Task Force are likely the key components needed to create change in the industry.  According to the FBI, the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF) was formed to “leverage the collective authorities and capabilities of its members and collaborates with international and private sector partners to bring all available resources to bear against domestic cyber threats and their perpetrators.”  While there definitely seems to be an infrastructure for sharing information from the government to the airlines, it seems like the airlines need to work harder to develop cybersecurity standards and that likely has to start with the TSA requiring it. I can’t speak to how the key players in the industry are communicating, but I believe it would be important to have open lines of communication to establish standards for monitoring and reporting instances of cyberattacks.  The sharing of information allows everyone to properly protect themselves.  I also believe the properly vetting your staff is highly important.  Your staff are the frontline and they need to be able to recognize problems quickly,

 

 

National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force. (2022, May 3). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber/national-cyber-investigative-joint-task-force

Sayegh, E. (2022, November 16). Cyberattacks On U.S. Airport Websites Signal Growing Threat To Critical Infrastructure. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilsayegh/2022/11/16/snakes-on-a-plane-beware-of-airport-cyber-attacks/?sh=5ff994e64c24

Xti, S. (2022, September 27). Top Cyber Threats Faced by the Aviation Industry - SOCRadar. SOCRadar® Cyber Intelligence Inc. https://socradar.io/top-cyber-threats-faced-by-the-aviation-industry/