Aviation Cyberattacks

 

Did you know that the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has incorporated 20 Layers of U.S. Aviation Security? I didn’t.

              These layers can assist us to mitigate threat levels by creating a sort of obstacle course, if you will, of security measures that can reduce, discourage, or completely neutralize an attack. The aviation industry has many evolving security threats I believe privacy and security are one of the most sought-after subjects that people want and need. Today I want to talk about a threat that most people, I would say, don’t think about.

 Cyberattacks through system networks, comms, and mischievous software programs will only strengthen due to the increased knowledge and technology we develop. (Willemsen & Cadee, 2018) Cybersecurity is defined as the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use. (CISA,2009) With technology consuming our everyday lives, the aviation industry isn’t any different. Just as you wouldn’t want any hacker threatening your bank account or SSN you shouldn’t want them poking around in aviation networks or devices, last thing I’d want is someone discovering how to hack an entire aircraft mid-flight.

              Implementing multiple layers of security keep passengers and airports safer. Airport security is always being tested, just over a year ago for example phishing scams and secure data loss in the U.K, the ransomware attack at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the British airways personal and financial info being stolen, or how about the personal data of millions of people that was leaked after a Hong Kong attack. (Saraogi, 2019) These are just a hand full of incidents that we need to learn from to reduce future incidences that could lead to accidents. Between law enforcement, I.T and TSA security measures more assistance is always needed, technological advancement grows faster than anything else, we must keep up with it.

              Improvements to safeguard the crews, passengers, and the industry itself should be on the front of everyone’s mind. Constant training and awareness, formalizing standards, consistently gathering intel, developing a culture, and encouraging the public to be aware and voice concerns, should one arise. These are just a few items we could do to get started right away. More infrastructure and investments must be made for cybersecurity to truly combat cyber attacks efficiently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

CISA. (2009, May 6). Security Tip (ST04-001). Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA. https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-001#:~:text=What%20is%20cybersecurity%3F%20Cybersecurity%20is%20the%20art%20of,of%20ensuring%20confidentiality%2C%20integrity%2C%20and%20availability%20of%20information.

Saraogi, V. (2019, July 24). Five times airports were involved in cyberattacks and data breaches. Airport Technology. https://www.airport-technology.com/features/five-times-airports-were-involved-in-cyberattacks-and-data-breaches.

TSA Layers of Security. Inside Look: TSA Layers of Security | Transportation Security Administration. (2017, August 1). https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2017/08/01/inside-look-tsa-layers-security.

Willemsen, B., & Cadee, M. (2018, June 1). Extending the airport boundary: Connecting physical security and cybersecurity. Latest TOC RSS. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/hsp/cam/2018/00000012/00000003/art00003.