Global airlines expand efforts on cyber security

GLOBAL aviation industry has increased efforts to enlist coordinated international support in the battle against the threats posed to airlines and passengers by hackers and those seeking to exploit IT systems.

Indeed, the security of commercial airlines have been threatened as cyber attacks hit the headlines recently after a security researcher claimed he had been able to hack into flight controls via his under-seat entertainment unit.

According to reports, along with Wi-Fi and electronics on board, airlines, airports and air traffic management companies are sharing more information than ever before to make flying more efficient and deal with increasing numbers of passengers.

However, it has provided more interfaces that can be exploited by attackers. According to aviation industry representatives at the AVSEC World aviation security conference in Dublin, those seeking to do mischief also know that attacking an airline will guarantee maximum impact, they said.

Also, as part of initiatives to protect the industry, a team has been put together by aviation industry associations to work on a declaration on cyber security to put to the International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO)members next year.

One of the issues being looked at, for example, is the security of the ADS-B system on aircraft, which sends information on a plane’s position. The data is unencrypted, which could make it susceptible to outside interference.