A recent article by Reuters has drawn attention to a surge in digital attacks known as GPS spoofing. These attacks have the potential to “send commercial airliners off course,” but typically can be resolved with the assistance of air traffic control (ATC). The article cited findings from OPSGROUP, showing a 400 per cent surge in these attacks in recent months with an estimated 900 flights a day encountering them on average. The increase in these incidents raises the associated risk levels.
However, these are not the only digital attacks the industry is currently facing. According to Bridewell’s latest research, 55 per cent of civil aviation cyber decision makers in the United States (US) have reported experiencing a ransomware attack in the past 12 months.
With the industry becoming increasingly reliant on digital technology and automated systems, the rise in digital attacks presents a significant challenge. Recognising this, 72 per cent of respondents in Bridewell’s survey plan to increase their IT security spend from last year, and 98 per cent are using at least one AI-drive tool to enhance their cybersecurity efforts.
The investment in cybersecurity measures must work in tandem with the industry’s digitalisation efforts to ensure safety and security across stakeholders. At Aerospace Tech Week Americas, industry experts from Airbus and IBM will discuss the evolving cybersecurity landscape, looking at threat monitoring and intelligence, as well cyber ranges, and leveraging data for improved maintenance cybersecurity.
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For more like this see:
- Combatting GNSS spoofing and jamming: EASA’s partnership with IATA
- UK tests “ground-breaking” quantum enabled navigation systems
- Cyber Threat: Aviation’s Clear and Present Danger?