Aviation bodies unite to tackle cyber threats

Five international aviation bodies have joined forces to address what they claim is a serious threat to airlines and the wider industry, signing a pact to develop a roadmap aimed at protecting critical systems from cyber crime.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) this week signed a cyber security agreement with Airports Council International, the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, the International Air Transport Association, and the International Co-ordinating Council of Aerospace Industry Associations to fight cyber crime head-on before it causes loss of life.

While threat actors are currently working to steal information from airline systems, the organisations involved are concerned that such tampering could potentially endanger lives.

“Our common goal in developing this agreement is to work more effectively together to establish and promote a robust cybersecurity culture and strategy for the benefit of all actors in our industry,” ICAO secretary general Raymond Benjamin said in a statement.

The five signatories have agreed to be more proactive in sharing threat identification, risk assessments and cybersecurity best practices, as well as other critical information, the ICAO said.

The organisations will also work to encourage better co-ordination between US Government and industry stakeholders on policies, plans and strategies related to cybercrime.

“As technologies rapidly evolve and become more readily accessible to all, cyber threats cannot be ignored,” Benjamin said.

"This is an important new area of aviation security concern and our global community willensure that it is met with a strong level of commitment and response.”