Aviation Managing Security Risks Through Interconnected Aircraft Systems

Because connectivity is continuously advancing even in aircraft, security and knowledge about potential risks and challenges in aviation play an important role. This is where Axiom Aviation comes into play as a partner.

In the early days of business or private aviation, the aircraft cabin was a place of solitude. Executives and wealthy individuals could fly without being constantly interrupted by emails, video calls, and digital notifications. That era is definitively over. Today, connectivity is no longer just an optional luxury. It has become a fundamental requirement for most buyers and charter customers. Business executives expect to conduct important meetings via videoconference at over 10,000 meters (approx. 33,000 ft) altitude just as seamlessly as they would in an office on the ground.

Advancements in satellite technology and air-to-ground networks have driven this transformation. Providers can now introduce systems with broadband speeds, something unimaginable a decade ago. For instance, services like Starlink have brought satellite internet in low Earth orbit (LEO) to the aviation market. It offers high-speed connections that support even resource-intensive activities like streaming and gaming. At the same time, long-standing industry leaders like Gogo Business Aviation continue their developments with 5G networks and air-to-ground systems, specifically designed to meet the unique demands of the business sector.

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

Data security in aviation

The biggest concern for many passengers regarding cybersecurity is often that a hacker might take control of the aircraft – like in a Hollywood blockbuster. However, industry experts agree: the more immediate and likely threat is data security.

Typically, an architecture is used in aircraft systems that separates critical avionics from the entertainment and WLAN networks for passengers. This concept, often referred to as network segmentation, is important. Its purpose is to prevent a compromised passenger device from affecting the safe operation of the aircraft.

The real hidden challenge is the vulnerability of transmitted data. Prominent individuals and corporate executives often discuss sensitive topics during flights, such as mergers, acquisitions, and proprietary strategies. An unsecured aircraft network is an easy target for corporate espionage or data interception. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often find it relatively easy to exploit such weaknesses.

The threat does not always come from the outside. The "insider threat" remains a significant factor for cybersecurity across all industries, including aviation. This does not necessarily mean that the crew or staff have malicious intentions. 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's Wi-Fi. This is the reality today, highlighting that technology alone cannot solve all security challenges. Operational processes and awareness are just as important.

Cybersecurity must not be an afterthought

Companies that provide connectivity hardware and services are aware of these risks and are working to mitigate them. Cybersecurity is rarely a later consideration here; it is firmly integrated into their offerings. For example, Gogo Business Aviation emphasizes that security is embedded in every element of its connection. The company combines its own network infrastructure with in-house cybersecurity experts to monitor data traffic. This includes algorithms that continuously monitor onboard systems to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Additionally, encryption protocols are employed to ensure end-to-end security during data transmission.

Standards and regulations

Aviation rules and regulations in the field of cybersecurity are constantly evolving to keep pace with technological changes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other authorities play an active role in setting cybersecurity standards for the industry. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is another key resource, providing operators with comprehensive guidelines. For example, it promotes the idea of treating the Wi-Fi network of a private jet as a so-called "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 evolving landscape mean for buyers and owners? It means that compliance with cybersecurity regulations is likely to become a standard component 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 cybersecurity tools. Ultimately, however, the responsibility for security lies with the operator. Raising awareness among all parties about 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. It should be ensured that the passenger WLAN networks are separated from the crew networks and flight operational data to prevent cross-contamination between critical and non-critical systems.
• Guest network. A dedicated connection for occasional use, separate from the secure network for sensitive business communication or flight planning, is important.
• Strict password protocols. Complex passwords for all onboard networks are necessary. These should be changed regularly to prevent unauthorized access by former employees or previous passengers.
• Updated software. Outdated systems are vulnerable; patches for onboard systems and firmware are useful.
• Regular training for the crew. Trained flight personnel and staff can more quickly identify potential cyber threats such as phishing attempts or suspicious network activities.
• Security information for network users.

What conclusions can be drawn?

Looking ahead to the future of private aviation, owners and operators must pay even closer attention to the intersection of connectivity and security for many reasons, including questions from stakeholders such as charter customers. Is the network secure? Are the networks for passengers and crew separated? How "trusting" is the network of devices? How often are passwords changed?

Artificial intelligence (AI), despite its many advantages, also brings new risks. It can enhance 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)

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