Why Cyber-Security needs to be a priority in Aerospace?
Interconnected systems bring new opportunities and better performance, but also new risks as cyberattacks grow in number and sophistication. No computer system, including the systems used to fly aircraft or control air traffic, can ignore this fact, especially in view of the potentially devastating consequences of an attack.
Business Risk
Why Industry is a target for cybercrime
Financial
Volatility in geopolitical and economic environment. Foreign commodity price fluctuations
Strategic
Competition in domestic and international markets. Failure to realize the benefits of M&As and partnerships
Operations
Managing the supply chain. Managing and retaining talent. Ability to perform in key contracts. Capacity to innovate. Exposure to cybersecurity events.
Compliance
Compliance with a wide range of regulations and restrictions
Cybersecurity in aerospace is a priority.
If delayed can become a liability.
Technical Threats
How Industry Is Targeted
We survey the potential known threats and attacks against ADS-B and assess the potential cybersecurity threats to air traffic management and control. The widespread use of ADS-B and the lack of security features in it, i.e., all the ADS-B messages are unauthenticated and unencrypted! makes this necessary. As we demonstrate in the survey, ADS-B’s lack of security features allows injection of false flight data, as well as jamming the wireless communications between airplanes and control towers and preventing the detection of commercial aircrafts by ADS-B ground stations, control towers, and other aircrafts.
Air traffic control systems based on the ADS-B standard have been widely adopted in civil aviation to the point that they are now considered the de facto standard. ADS-B provides major benefits to airports and airlines by increasing the safety of air traffic management and control and allowing more flights to travel near busy airports. However, the ADS-B technology lacks sufficient security measures. The ADS-B system is vulnerable and exposed to cyberattacks.
The possible losses Aerospace might face as a consequence of cyber-attacks on their platform are:
Emergence of New Technology
Drastic Increase in Technology
Hackers are Smarter than Ever
Lack of Uniformity in Cybersecurity Standards
Experts Tips
The number of cyberattacks in the Aerospace industry is increasing, but there are several ways to minimize the risk of getting hacked.
Make Security a Priority in Design
Create a Data “Tripwire”
Converge Your Security Disciplines
Communicate with Partners and Other Industry Players
Hack Yourself
Ensure Adequate Personnel Training
HOW CYBERSECURITY CAN HELP AGAINST CYBERCRIMES ?
To prevent cyber threats the board of directors should play a critical role. The airline firms should provide training and awareness related to cyber threats and crimes to their employees and should make it their daily routine as it should be discussed during meetings, presentations, and during assigning work. The airline firms should discuss, socialize and formalize industry standards. Firms should have a strong team for cybersecurity Airline firms should invest more in strong cybersecurity products.