Air India hack throws spotlight on growing cyber threats in aviation

From: Caitriona Helena Heinl

2.5. DNA India, “Air India hack throws spotlight on growing cyber threats in aviation - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently asked airlines to focus on cyber threats in the sector to minimise damage,” June 26, 2016,http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-air-india-hack-throws-spotlight-on-growing-cyber-threats-in-aviation-2227999

 

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The recent hacking of Air India's frequent flyer programme miles has brought to focus the cyber threats to the aviation industry which depends substantially on sharing of information over the Internet.

 

"Every flight that takes off or lands is the result of working together and information sharing among many different entities such as airlines, airports and air navigation service providers (ANSPs). Yet the very nature of this collaboration also enables potential cyber vulnerabilities," top cyber security experts have said.

 

Like Air India, there have been recent cyber attacks on some major airlines, including one in Canada, and a global airlines alliance.

 

At a recent conference of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), these experts debated the critical issue and reviewed how a harmonised approach could be achieved in meeting these threats by working with governments across the world, as has been the case of decades of government-industry cooperation on aviation safety matters.