In my previous articles on ‘Cyber security in Avionics’, I talked about the importance of cyber security, the factors contributing to cyber-attacks and the ways and means by which data and the software-controlled system can be protected.

Software is a core element in every critical system. The software used by the defence department is especially critical and needs to be protected with utmost security. Attacking the software defence system is a revolutionary method of pursuing war.

Recently, India and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for advancement and improvement in civil aviation security. This puts more emphasis on various cyber safety and protection approaches.

In cyber warfare, the information as well as the fundamental control of the civilization is at risk. The risk of fundamental control of networks and software-controlled electronics has already grown significantly in aviation. The performance and proficiency of aircrafts were hitherto defined by its hardware. Now, 75% of the aircraft’s performance and proficiency are dependent on the system-controlled software instead, which is more absolute. Therefore, an increasing dependence on software can be observed.  

The strength of the modern aircraft lies in its software systems and programming.

It is an integration of several parts through networking and this networked software is under threat today. Complex interferences through radars and personal computers, organizational local area networks, internets, modems, navigation systems, civilians and military communication systems have put the system under risk.

Cyber infiltration and cyber security threats can potentially affect several aircraft systems at a time and lead to a global catastrophe. As a result, it is important to incorporate and integrate nuclear weapon control systems in the military aircraft.

Cyber infiltration and attacks on such military computers can prove fatal to national security.

The effect of cyber warfare can cause devastating effects on civilization and the economies even after the war is over.   

In a military aircraft, the software controlled system is susceptible to cyber-attack. Any cyber-attack starts with cyber infiltration or cyber raid, affecting the entire organization. Also, the software in the system can be manipulated, damaged, and controlled by the hacker. Additionally, it can be rewritten, copied or damaged. Consequently, this can lead to cyber assault.

New landscapes and new challenges are beginning to emerge as a result of cyber threats. While many states are aware of the gravity of the situation and the potential threats facing the civil aviation industry, many are still struggling to manage the threats, both at a national and individual level. However, the use of computer based systems will continue to increase in the near future, especially in the aviation industry.

Therefore, it is essential for all international organizations, associations, states, and stakeholders of civil aviation to raise awareness of cyber security threat and the importance of cyber security to counter this threat. They need to take necessary action and deploy cyber safety procedures in order to prevent cyber threats on the global civil aviation system.

References:

1. http://www.dau.mil/pubscats/PubsCats/AR%20Journal/arq2000/alford.pdf
2. https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-data-protection/security-hardening/hacking-aviation-technology-vulnerability-disclosure-and-the-aviation-industry/
3. http://www.saa.com.sg/saaWeb2011/export/sites/saa/en/Publication/downloads/EmergingThreats_CyberSecurityinAviation_ChallengesandMitigations.pdf
4. http://www.aviationtoday.com/2015/06/12/experts-speak-to-cyber-security-in-aviation/
5. http://resources.infosecinstitute.com/cyber-threats-aviation-industry/#gref