Aviation – Dionach

Aviation Cyber Security

Today’s Aviation sector relies on a technology backed world. Maintaining safe, secure, and resilient operations is your focus and our number one priority when assisting Aviation organisations.

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Key Threats Affecting the Aviation Cyber Security

The interconnectivity of digital systems has become an intrinsic part of Aviation operations, with continued activity relying on information technology systems. As these systems have advanced, so too has the threat of cyber-attacks, putting Aviation’s most critical operations at risk. With access to some of the most critical infrastructure and customer data out of any industry, attackers have identified the Aviation sector as a high-value target, in which the following types of threat are prevalent.

93%

A 2023 report found that 93% of cyber-attacks in the aviation industry were financially motivated, with 70% of these attacks involving ransomware or data theft aimed at extracting payment.

65%

In 2021, there was a 65% increase in reported cyber-attacks against the aviation sector, driven largely by the rise in ransomware attacks targeting airline systems and airports.

$12.6 billion

The global aviation cybersecurity market size is expected to reach $12.6 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 15.5% from 2021 to 2026.

Cybersecurity Challanges in the Aviation Sector

Continuously Changing Regulations

The aviation industry is subject to evolving cybersecurity regulations from organizations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These continuous changes make it challenging for organizations to maintain compliance and adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly.

Data Breaches

The aviation sector handles vast amounts of sensitive data daily, including passenger information and critical flight data. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit such information. The average cost of a data breach reached an all-time high in 2024, highlighting the financial risks associated with inadequate data protection measures.

Ransomware Attacks

A ransomware attack has the power to not only halt local airport operations but to disrupt international travel, costing millions for every minute of a delay. Data from the FAA indicates that delayed flights in 2019 cost the industry an average of $33 billion, with airlines, passengers, airports and associated third party providers all sharing the impact.

Insider Threats

Employees, contractors, or third-party vendors with access to critical aviation systems pose a significant security risk. Whether intentional or accidental, insider threats can lead to data breaches and operational disruptions. With insider-related incidents rising 44% in two years, strict access controls and continuous monitoring are essential for mitigation

Services for the Aviation Sector

Dionach has assisted business to build strong foundations for security, compliance, and operational excellence for 24 years.

Services include:

Need help with cyber security solutions? We are experts!

Your Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy

The multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary nature of Aviation cyber security means that it is critical to develop a common vision for defining a global cyber security strategy. Aligning with local and international Aviation security and management provisions, your cyber security strategy should evolve around the following components –

CAA Assure Cyber Audits

Released in 2020 by the Civil Aviation Authority, CAA Assure is a third-party cyber security audit scheme that has been developed in partnership with CREST to provide rigorous and continuous audits to organisations in the Aviation sector.

As a regulatory responsibility, Aviation organisations must ensure they meet the oversight responsibilities that fall under CAP 1753 – ‘The Cybersecurity Oversight Process for Aviation’. This is a six-step approach to ensuring cyber security oversight for Aviation organisations operating within the United Kingdom.

These six steps include:

Released in 2020 by the Civil Aviation Authority, CAA Assure is a third-party cyber security audit scheme that has been developed in partnership with CREST to provide rigorous and continuous audits to organisations in the Aviation sector.

As a regulatory responsibility, Aviation organisations must ensure they meet the oversight responsibilities that fall under CAP 1753 – ‘The Cybersecurity Oversight Process for Aviation’. This is a six-step approach to ensuring cyber security oversight for Aviation organisations operating within the United Kingdom.

Our Accredited Badges

CAA Assure

As one of only a small number of UK ASSURE accredited providers, Dionach have shown specialist knowledge in the areas of Cyber Audit & Risk Management, Technical Cyber Security Expert and ICS/OT Expert and are ideally placed to provide Aviation cyber security services.

PCI QSA

Dionach have been deemed by the PCI Security Standards Council to meet specific information security education requirements and have taken the appropriate training from the PCI Security Standards Council to be able to effectively perform PCI compliance assessments.

ISO 27001

Upholding the same rigorous standards we deploy to our clients, Dionach are ISO 27001 certified, reflecting our dedication to upholding the highest Information Security Management standards in accordance with the latest regulations and recommendations.

CREST

Dionach are certified by CREST for Vulnerability Assessments, Intelligence Led Penetration Testing (STAR), Cyber Security Incident Response (CSIR), and Penetration Testing. Our CREST qualified consultants include CREST Practitioner Security Analysts, CREST Registered Penetration Testers, CREST Certified Infrastructure Testers and CREST Certified Web Application Testers.

CHECK

Dionach are a NCSC CHECK Green Light provider of manual Penetration Testing services. We are experienced in identifying security weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the target systems and producing a comprehensive and detailed report in line with NCSC’s requirements, outlining the issues identified and practical recommendations on how to resolve them.

INDUSTRIES SERVED

How are Dionach positioned to help Aviation Organisations?

Dionach’s cyber security experts have a solid history of working with Civil Aviation and other transport sectors, delivering safe audits of critical Operational Technology (OT) and Process Control Networks (PCNs). As a trusted cyber security partner for Aviation organisations, our long standing 25-year background, combined with our in-house innovation and research team enable us to stay on top of the latest cyber security threats to Aviation and empower organisations to meet the rigorous requirements demanded by today’s complex technological infrastructures.

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