76% of civil aviation organisations agree that greater knowledge and sophistication are being deployed in cyber attacks and RaaS activity.
The Critical Role of Cyber Security in Aviation
The civil aviation sector’s high-profile role in the global economy makes it an attractive target for cyber criminals, nation state actors, and other groups. At the same time, securing the thousands of different technologies across IT and OT – many of which are entirely unique to the aviation sector - demands a high level of expertise and familiarity with relevant technologies.
- 39% of civil aviation organisations consider 'increasing cyber resilience' their top challenge.
- 34% consider 'data theft and misuse' as the top threat to their IT systems.
Addressing Aviation Organisation's Unique Cyber Security Challenges
Unique Technologies and System
Civil aviation depends on extensive IT and OT environments, with many of these systems and technologies being entirely unique to the sector. This makes it hard to find cyber security experts with the relevant experience and knowledge to effectively secure them against threats.
Integration of ICT into Mechanical Devices
The move towards ‘smart airports’ has increased levels of integration between ICT and mechanical devices. This convergence, however, introduces new vulnerabilities for threat actors to potentially exploit.
Regulatory Challenges
Civil aviation organisations must meet the regulatory requirements set out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Information Commissioner’s Officer (ICO). These bodies require that they not only mitigate cyber risk, but that they meet the standards outlined in the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.
Our Award Winning Cyber Security Services for Aviation
Our cyber security and managed security services have helped many of the UK's largest airports increase cyber resilience and defend themselves from cyber threats.
Download the 2024 Cyber Security in Aviation Report
What are the Cyber Threats Faced by Aviation Organisations in 2024?
We recognise that civil aviation organisations aren’t just concerned about terrorist cyber threats, but also the risks posed to operational integrity by a variety of threat actors and emerging technologies.
International Terrorist Groups
International terrorist groups remain one of the most high-profile threats to the aviation sector. While risk assessment work carried out by the ICAO concludes that the risk of a successful terrorist cyber threat is low compared to other possible types of attack, defending against this threat is still a priority.
Nation State Actors and Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Groups
Whether independently or in collaboration, APT groups and nation state groups both aim to acquire intellectual property, intelligence, and access within civil aviation organisations.
Insider Threats
Malicious insiders also pose a risk, given their knowledge of and access to critical systems and data. Whether they choose to perpetrate an attack themselves or share their insight with an external actor, insider risk is a serious threat.
New Technologies
As airports deploy a wider range of technologies to improve the passenger experience and modernise their operations, there is always a risk of creating new opportunities for hostile actors to exploit.