The aviation industry has rapidly embraced digital transformation, from cloud-based platforms to connected aircraft systems. However, this connectivity brings significant challenges in the form of cybersecurity risks. Airline cybersecurity is no longer optional—it's a critical necessity. As airlines rely more on digital services, it’s imperative to safeguard passenger data, protect operational systems, and build trust with customers.
the growing threat of cyberattacks in aviation
The global aviation industry has long been a target for cybercriminals, and the threat is growing. Cyberattacks such as ransomware, phishing, and data breaches can cause major operational disruptions. Airlines, airports, and vendors are increasingly vulnerable to attacks due to the interconnected nature of aviation systems. According to a recent report, cyberattacks have targeted 62% of airport authorities, and 55% of aviation cybersecurity leaders experienced ransomware attacks in the last year. These attacks can lead to operational downtime, financial losses, and reputational damage.
In addition, critical data flows across multiple channels, from ticketing systems to in-flight connectivity. This vast amount of data creates several entry points for cybercriminals. As airlines expand their digital operations, cybersecurity becomes even more challenging. With cybercrime becoming more sophisticated, airlines must defend against a broad range of evolving threats.
airline cybersecurity challenges
Managing complexity of connected systems: Airlines use a range of digital technologies like cloud-based reservation systems and in-flight connectivity, which are vulnerable to cyberattacks; legacy infrastructure struggles with modern threats.
Prevalence of ransomware: Ransomware continues to be one of the most prevalent cyber threats to aviation, with 38% of ransomware incidents leading to operational disruptions.
Reliance on third-party vendors: Outsourcing critical services like baggage handling and security systems exposes airlines to third-party vulnerabilities, as vendors often use varying security protocols, making consistent protection challenging.
protecting passenger data in aviation
Protecting passenger data in aviation is a key concern for airlines, as breaches can lead to severe financial and reputational damage. Airlines hold vast amounts of sensitive data, including personal details, travel history, and payment information. A major airline data breach in recent years exposed millions of passenger records, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with large-scale travel data ecosystems.
Airlines must comply with strict data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates high standards for data handling. To prevent breaches, airlines need to implement multi-layered security protocols such as encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and continuous monitoring. A recent study found that 41% of ransomware victims in aviation lost customer data, further emphasising the need for strict data protection measures.
One effective solution is to adopt an aviation cybersecurity framework that focuses on securing both customer data and operational systems. This framework should include a combination of proactive cybersecurity testing, ongoing monitoring, and incident response plans to ensure that data is always protected.
building a strong cyber resilience strategy
Building cyber resilience is crucial for protecting airlines from cyber threats. Cyber resilience goes beyond traditional cybersecurity measures—it ensures that airlines can withstand, recover, and adapt to cyberattacks. As the aviation industry becomes increasingly digital, cyber resilience helps airlines manage not only the risks of cyberattacks but also the impact on their operations and reputation.
One of the first steps toward increasing cyber resilience is embedding cybersecurity into the organisational culture. Leadership teams must prioritise security, ensure that employees can identify and respond to threats, and create a strong security policy across all levels of the organisation. Additionally, airlines should implement comprehensive risk assessments and incident response plans to ensure that they can respond to potential breaches. Airlines can take inspiration from the aviation cybersecurity framework developed by international organisations, which provides a structured approach to managing cybersecurity risks.
Furthermore, collaboration with third-party vendors and sharing threat intelligence across the industry can help strengthen cybersecurity resilience. In fact, global information sharing is critical in fighting evolving cyber threats, as many attacks target multiple organisations in the supply chain.
regulatory landscape and compliance
Airlines must comply with evolving regulatory requirements designed to improve airline cybersecurity. The FAA has proposed new cybersecurity rules for aircraft systems, which aim to reduce the risk of unauthorised access to critical safety systems. These regulations focus on securing both physical and digital interfaces within aircraft and airline systems, ensuring that airlines meet the required security standards to protect against cyberattacks.
Additionally, airlines must meet data protection requirements such as the GDPR, which mandates strict controls over customer data. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures the safety of passenger data but also helps airlines avoid penalties and build customer trust. The evolving regulatory landscape requires airlines to stay informed and continuously improve their cybersecurity posture.
conclusion: safeguarding trust through robust cybersecurity
As the aviation industry faces growing cybersecurity threats, it is crucial for airlines to adopt a proactive, comprehensive approach to protect customer data and maintain trust. By addressing airline cybersecurity challenges, implementing an aviation cybersecurity framework, and ensuring regulatory compliance, airlines can safeguard their operations, protect sensitive data, and enhance their reputation.
The importance of building cyber resilience is critical—only through continuous improvement, strong organisational culture, and collaboration with industry stakeholders can airlines effectively mitigate cyber risks and build lasting trust with passengers.
If you want to ensure the highest level of security for your online travel agency (OTA) platform, trust and safety solutions by Infosys BPM provide the expertise and technology needed to protect sensitive data, prevent cyberattacks, and maintain customer confidence. Explore how you can enhance your cybersecurity resilience and build a trusted, secure environment for your passengers.
frequently asked questions
How does an aviation cybersecurity framework protect against third-party vendor risks?
An aviation cybersecurity framework secures the supply chain by enforcing standardized protocols and zero-trust principles across all vendor interfaces. Since airlines rely on outsourced services for baggage and security, inconsistent vendor protocols often create vulnerabilities. Implementing a unified framework reduces supply chain attack surfaces and ensures consistent compliance with safety regulations. Internal Link: Trust and Safety for OTAs and Airlines
Can strict data privacy compliance (GDPR) coexist with seamless passenger experiences?
Yes, compliance and experience coexist through "privacy-by-design" architectures that embed encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA) without adding friction. Modern security protocols protect sensitive PII like travel history while operating invisibly to the user. This approach prevents costly data breaches while maintaining the high trust levels required for customer retention.
What is the operational impact of ransomware on airline legacy infrastructure?
Ransomware attacks on legacy systems typically cause immediate operational paralysis, leading to flight cancellations and manual fallback procedures. Recent reports indicate that 38% of aviation ransomware incidents result in significant operational disruption due to older, interconnected infrastructure. Proactive cyber resilience strategies minimize downtime and protect revenue during attempted breaches.
