Syber security in aviation

Abstract

In today's information and communication technologies, the functioning of society and economy, as well as the aviation industry is based on interconnecting computer systems that are used to manage various operations in aviation. This connection on one hand provides numerous operational benefits, while on the other, infrastructure systems become more vulnerable to different cyber attacks, which can be achieved through a variety of different systems, platforms and technologies. It has been found that cyber threats are on the rise. They are dynamic and unpredictable and are used by the so-called cyber terrorists with the aim of achieving various damage in the aviation system, in all of its parts, from the air traffic control system, through aeroplanes and airline companies, to airports and passport/customs controls. Although, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization, the risk of a successful terrorist cyber attack with a loss of human life in relation to other forms of terrorism is relatively low, the fact is that cyber threats can have a major impact on security, operational and financial integrity, and the reputation of the aviation sector as a whole. Most recently, numerous cases of violating the operation of large airlines caused by cyber incidents were observed, seemingly small in volume, and given their role in air processes and the tendency of growth, they may have far wider and more serious consequences. In this context, this paper deals with some of the major issues related to cyber security in aviation, such as understanding and defining security cyber threats, with particular reference to the familiar examples that aviation is facing today, illustrating the scale of cyber incidents and impact it has on aviation as a whole, as well as the relevance of this paper.

Keywords

• aviation
• cyber security
• information-communication technology
• vulnerability
• terrorism