Aviation Mastering Security Risks Through Networked Aircraft Systems

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FAULHABER Drive Systems

Because networking is also constantly advancing in aircraft, security and knowledge of potential risks and challenges play an important role in aviation. This is where Axiom Aviation comes into play as a partner.

In the early days of business or private aviation, the airplane cabin was a place of seclusion. Executives and wealthy individuals could fly without being constantly interrupted by emails, video calls and digital notifications. That era is finally over. Today, connectivity is no longer just an optional luxury. It has become a basic requirement for most buyers and charter customers. Business leaders expect to be able to conduct important meetings via video conferencing at an altitude of more than 6.2 miles just as smoothly as in the office on the ground.

Advances in satellite technology and air-to-ground networks have driven this change. Providers can now introduce systems with broadband speeds that were unimaginable a decade ago. For example, services such as Starlink have introduced low earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet to the aviation market. It offers high-speed connections that support even resource-intensive activities such as streaming and gaming. At the same time, long-standing industry leaders such as Gogo Business Aviation are continuing their developments with 5G networks and air-to-ground systems designed specifically for the unique requirements of the business sector.

When all these systems are brought together, a private jet practically becomes a flying data center. Passengers bring smartphones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches, all of which are connected to the aircraft's Wi-Fi network. This improves productivity and entertainment, but also fundamentally changes the risk profile of the aircraft. Security is increasingly coming into focus.

Data Security in the Air

Many passengers' biggest concern when it comes to cybersecurity is often that a hacker will take control of the plane—like in a Hollywood blockbuster. However, industry experts agree that the more immediate and likely threat is data security.

Typically, aircraft systems use an architecture that separates critical avionics from passenger entertainment and Wi-Fi networks. This concept, often referred to as network segmentation, is important. Its purpose is to prevent a compromised passenger device from interfering with the safe operation of the aircraft.

The real hidden challenge is the vulnerability of the transmitted data. Prominent personalities and company executives often discuss sensitive topics such as mergers, takeovers and corporate strategies during flights. An unsecured aircraft network is an easy target for corporate espionage or data interception. Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often have an easy time of it.

However, the threat does not always come from outside. The "insider threat" remains a significant factor for cyber security in all industries, including aviation. This does not necessarily mean that the crew or staff have malicious intent. More often, it is due to human error or ignorance. For example, a passenger might not know that their laptop is infected and connect to the cabin Wi-Fi. This is today's reality, which illustrates that technology alone cannot solve all security challenges. Operations and awareness are just as important.

Cybersecurity Must Not Be An Afterthought

However, companies that offer connectivity hardware and services are aware of these risks and are working to reduce them. Cyber security is rarely an afterthought here. It is firmly integrated into relevant offerings. Gogo Business Aviation, for example, emphasizes that security is built into every element of its connectivity. The company combines its own network infrastructure with in-house cyber security experts to monitor data traffic. This includes algorithms that continuously monitor on-board systems to identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems. Encryption protocols are also used to ensure end-to-end security during data transmission.

Standards And Regulations

Aviation cybersecurity rules and regulations are constantly evolving to keep pace with technological changes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies play an active role in setting cybersecurity standards for the industry. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is another important resource that provides comprehensive guidance to operators. For example, it promotes the idea of treating a private jet's Wi-Fi network as a zero-trust environment. In other words, the network should not automatically trust any device or user. The NBAA also emphasizes the importance of establishing best practices for device usage and remaining vigilant against threats and practices such as GPS spoofing and jamming.

What does this changing landscape mean for buyers and owners? It means that cybersecurity compliance is likely to become a standard part of aircraft airworthiness and maintenance. Just as an aircraft must meet safety standards for its engines and airframe, it will increasingly need to meet standards for its digital resilience.

Stronger Focus on Security

Many manufacturers and service providers offer robust cyber security tools. Ultimately, however, the responsibility for security lies with the operator. Making everyone involved aware of cyber threats is just as important as the hardware installed on the aircraft. Experts advise owners to take the following steps to improve their security posture:

• Strong network segmentation. Ensure that passenger Wi-Fi networks are separated from crew networks and flight operations data to prevent cross-contamination between critical and non-critical systems.
• Guest network. A dedicated connection for occasional use, distinct from the secure network for sensitive business communications or flight planning, is important.
• Strict password protocols. Complex passwords for all on-board networks are necessary. These should be changed regularly to prevent unauthorized access by former employees or former passengers.
• Updated software. Outdated systems are vulnerable; patches for on-board systems and firmware, useful.
• Regular training for the crew. Trained flight crew and employees recognize potential cyber threats such as phishing attempts or suspicious network activities more quickly.
• Security information for network users.

What Conclusions Can Be Drawn?

Looking to the future of private aviation, owners and operators need to pay even more attention to the interface between connectivity and security for many reasons, including the fact that stakeholders such as charter customers will have questions. Is the network secure? Are the networks separate for passengers and crew? How does the network "trust" the devices? How often are passwords changed?

Despite its many benefits, artificial intelligence (AI) also brings new risks. It can improve threat detection and identify anomalies in network traffic faster than any human analyst. However, malicious actors can also use it to launch more effective attacks. (se)