Aviation Cybersecurity: A Strategic Imperative for Industry

Passenger scanners, baggage x-rays and explosives residue detectors; We well-know how the aviation sector has always been at the forefront of physical security. However, while physical security and safety have been deeply ingrained in aviation’s DNA, cybersecurity has often been viewed as a secondary concern. That must change.

Aviation is rapidly catching up with other sectors to become a fully-digitised, interconnected industry reliant on a range of advanced technologies, spanning from the cockpit to ground infrastructure to passengers. Avionics suites, air traffic management systems, satellite-based communications, MRO inspection systems, passenger booking platforms and more are all increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. For leaders in aviation and aerospace, cybersecurity is recognised as no longer just an IT issue; it is a strategic imperative that directly impacts safety, profitability, and public trust.

According to Eurocontrol’s EATM-Computer Emergency Response Team, in the period from 2020 to 2022, the top cyberattacks on aviation industry consisted of:

To date, these cyberattacks have been mainly driven by financial and political purposes and the desire to obtain sensitive information. However, as time goes on, successful attacks in the aviation sector may cause air traffic disruptions, accidents and even loss of life.

In this article, we will explore this evolving aviation threat landscape, the challenges of securing aviation systems and the crucial role of leadership in fostering a culture of cybersecurity practice.

The Aviation Cybersecurity Landscape

Today's aircraft are flying data centres, equipped with advanced avionics, real-time telemetry and satellite communications. The shift to digitised manufacturing, operations and fly-by-wire means that cybersecurity is now as vital as airworthiness. The implications of a cyberattack extend beyond operational disruptions; they can now threaten passenger safety and can erode public trust instantly.

Aviation is built on trust. The events of 9/11 showed how quickly confidence in air travel can be shaken, and how difficult it is to rebuild. The response was immediate: enhanced screening, new security protocols, and significant investments in physical security.

Today, cybersecurity must follow a similar trajectory. A major cyber incident, whether a ransomware attack on airline IT infrastructure or a compromise of air traffic control systems, could have catastrophic consequences for public confidence. Industry leaders must recognize that cybersecurity is not just about protecting data, it is about preserving trust in the entire aviation ecosystem.

Understanding the Threats: The Reality of Aviation Cyber Risks

The more pressing concern is that cyber threats often emerge not from direct attacks on aircraft but from vulnerabilities within an airline’s broader business ecosystem. The weakest link is often the corporate network, where attackers can gain access to critical infrastructure through phishing, spoofing insiders or supply chain weaknesses.

Many aircraft have a lifespan of 20+ years, meaning they often run outdated software that was never designed to withstand modern cyber threats. When you combine this fact with unencrypted communications protocols like ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) then we see a perfect storm making these systems vulnerable to interception and spoofing.

The supply chain is also rapidly being seen as an area of major risk. Aviation depends on a vast network of suppliers, airports, and regulatory bodies. A breach in any part of the supply chain can have cascading effects on security, especially where embedded technologies begin to creep into products and services.

Inspirational Leadership in Aviation Cybersecurity

Effective cybersecurity leadership must come from the top. CIOs, CISOs, and CEOs need to champion a cybersecurity-first culture, ensuring that cybersecurity is integrated into every level of business strategy, starting with:

A Resilient Cybersecurity Culture

Cybersecurity should be treated as a core pillar of corporate governance, not just an IT function. Cybersecurity risks should be discussed at the board level alongside financial and operational risks and cyber best practice must be ingrained in employees, from frontline staff to executives. This must be done with by engaging regulators, security firms, researchers and industry peers in the field of aviation cybersecurity, staying ahead of emerging threats.

Investment in Security Frameworks

Traditional security frameworks, such as NIS-800-171 have been superseded by CMMC and even CMMC is well on its way to version 2.0. The aviation industry can no longer relax among slow-moving industry standards when it comes to cybersecurity. Emerging regulations, such as Part-IS (EU), FAA PAA law 115-254 (USA) and wider ICAO aviation cybersecurity strategies & action plans are reflecting the need by aviation stakeholders to prioritise an aviation specific information security management system, incorporating specific risk assessments, regulatory reporting schemes, zero-trust architectures (ZTA), strict access controls, secure software supply chains and end-to-end encryption of data across organisations, products & services.

IATA Forums and Responsible Cybersecurity Research

The aviation industry has historically been cautious about external cybersecurity research. However, collaboration with ethical hackers and independent researchers is essential for identifying vulnerabilities before adversaries exploit them. Aviation cybersecurity forums are increasingly active examples of how industry players can engage with the security research community to uncover and address potential weaknesses. The IATA 3CTX forum is one key forum for stakeholders from airlines, OEMs, airports, suppliers, cybersecurity firms and others to encourage responsible disclosure processes, allowing collaborative research to work on solutions, policies, standards and best practice; this collaboration must also be an essential avenue for reporting vulnerabilities without fear of legal repercussions.

The Future of Aviation Cybersecurity

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the aviation industry must evolve faster. Looking ahead, the top three trends will now shape the aviation cybersecurity landscape:

1. AI-Driven Threat Detection: Advanced AI and machine learning will enhance real-time anomaly detection and response

2. Secure Over-the-Air Updates: As aircraft become more software-driven, the ability to securely update systems remotely & securely will be critical, both on the ground and, ultimately, in flight

3. Cyber-Resilient Aircraft Design: Future aircraft will be designed with security at their core, incorporating robust authentication and encryption measures from the point of build-out.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Aviation Leaders

The aviation industry is at an inflection point. Cybersecurity is no longer an optional investment; it is a fundamental requirement for safe, efficient, and trusted air travel. Industry leaders must take a proactive stance, ensuring that cybersecurity is embedded in corporate strategy, operations and culture. The future of aviation depends not just on cyber innovation but on our ability to secure that innovation against ever-evolving threats. Leadership in cybersecurity is now leadership in aviation. The time to act is now.