Cybersecurity in Aviation


   

Major carriers like British Airways, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have fallen victim to cyber breaches. The outcome resulted in the theft of sensitive information, including payroll and applicant data. These attacks not only compromise sensitive data but also disrupt critical operations, leading to potential financial losses and damage to the airlines reputation. January 9, 2024, Kenya Airways (KQ) was under attack by cybercriminals. They obtained sensitive information such as contact details and identification documents of both passengers and staff. They also retrieved access to police investigation reports, phone numbers, email addresses, and passports of an unspecified number of people who were past passengers and staff.  

    

Even with the influx of recent technology and advancements, certain operational technology systems remain outdated and susceptible to cyberattacks. For example, outdated systems by the FAA in the United States can potentially expose the industry to more cyber threats. The vulnerability of these systems, as well as with the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, poses a significant threat to the aviation cybersecurity. 

   

Some ways to alleviate the threat with cybersecurity can include:


  • Cyber Audits: Help identify vulnerabilities and establish a foundation for enhanced cybersecurity.


  • AI Monitoring: Implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems for 24/7 monitoring of potential supply chain disruptions can enable swift detection and response to cyber threats.


  • Supply Chain Mapping: Allows aviation companies to gain insight into their direct and indirect supply chain partners. This enhances their ability to address vulnerabilities and strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

I read in an article to gain the upper hand in preventing cybersecurity is to think along the lines of a cybercriminal. The neglect of cybersecurity in the aviation industry is what they feed off of. For airlines, cyberattacks can lead to revenue loss, passenger attrition, and damage to brand reputation. Suppliers and third-party vendors could lose business to competitors with more robust security measures. As the aviation industry continues to integrate technology, safeguarding systems and supply chains becomes most important to ensure the industry's safe-guard and continued growth.



References

Aviation. (2021, February 3). Cyber Security Review. https://www.cybersecurity-review.com/aviation/

Boynton, C. (2023, April 20). Cybersecurity threats to aviation bolstered by efficiency, geopolitics. Aviationweek.com; Aviation Week Network. https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airlines-lessors/cybersecurity-threats-aviation-bolstered-efficiency-geopolitics

Case study: Cyberattacks in the aviation industry. (n.d.). Techforce. https://techforce.co.uk/blog/2023/case-study-cyberattacks-in-the-aviation-industry---risks-and-remedies

Kenya Airways suffers passenger data breach in cyber attack. (2024, January 9). Cyber Security Review. https://www.cybersecurity-review.com/kenya-airways-suffers-passenger-data-breach-in-cyber-attack/




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