Tag: cybersecurity

FAA Estimates $26M to Update All Aircraft to Prevent C-Band 5G Interference

FierceWireless reports on the Federal Aviation Administration’s “new directive requiring airplanes in the U.S. to install 5G C-band tolerant radio altimeters or compatible RF filters by February 24, 2024.” The directive “estimates that the total price-tag to make these modifications to airplanes is just $26 million.” FierceWireless reports, “That’s a small price to pay to put an end to what amounted to a multi-year battle between the U.S. airline industry and wireless operators.” The US aviation regulator “estimates that out of 7,993 airplanes on the U.S. registry[,] only about 180 airplanes will need radio altimeter replacements and about 820 will need radio altimeter filters” in order to “eliminate potential 5G transmissions in the C-band spectrum from interfering with airplane altimeters.” Tantra Analyst Principal Prakash Sangam said, “Clearly, if the FAA and FCC were working more cordially and put out this estimate much earlier, the issue would have been resolved without fanfare or public hoopla. … In my view, the direct and indirect cost of all resources, including from the government, stakeholders, and media spent on the issue, is far higher than the paltry $26 million.”
Full Story (FierceWireless)

Panel Warns of Increased Cybersecurity Threats to Aviation

Aviation Week reports that a panel at Aviation Week’s MRO Americas Conference examined the cybersecurity challenges facing the aviation industry. The Boeing Company said that the industry is facing increasing cybersecurity risks; ransomware occurrences inside the aviation supply chain have risen 600% in a year. Boeing Chief Security Officer Richard Puckett said, “We have to begin to account for the extended ecosystem of connectivity.” He added that increasing the sensors in aircraft make it “more vulnerable because anything that sends or receives a signal can be hacked.” Aviation ISAC CEO Jeffrey Troy said, “Without a doubt[,] the threat side of this equation is increasing.” The panel concluded that “risk prioritization is key,” as well as “ensuring suppliers are thinking about cybersecurity.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)

Cybersecurity Represents Opportunities and Risks in the Aerospace Industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AIAA Educational, Interactive Resources Can Help Raise Awareness

October 4, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) aims to make cybersecurity as important and overarching as safety, bringing cybersecurity to the heart of the aerospace industry. Based on its “2021 AIAA State of the Industry Report,” AIAA says industry professionals are just as enthusiastic about the opportunities to innovate solutions around cybersecurity (43%) as they are concerned about cybersecurity risks (42%). In recognition of #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth, AIAA is announcing educational and interactive resources for the aerospace community.

“Digital technology has made aerospace safer, smarter, and more connected than ever. We must now establish cybersecurity as a priority on par with safety. We must ensure cybersecurity is factored into the mainstream of our core processes – from the design and development of new space systems to manufacturing and production to operations. Aerospace professionals – in all departments – should be educated and empowered to discuss cybersecurity within their organizations,” said AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher. “We are using Cybersecurity Awareness Month to help move the industry forward, as we all begin to own the topic.”

AIAA has made a long-term commitment to bring cybersecurity front and center. AIAA has recently forged partnerships with several cybersecurity-focused groups to help foster open dialogue and cooperation around the topic, including Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC), Aviation ISAC, and The Aerospace Village. These organizations promote valuable cybersecurity information sharing, situational awareness, and operational excellence in the aerospace community, complementing AIAA’s Cybersecurity Program goal of building cybersecurity foundations for aerospace.

Courses Open Now to Get #Cybersmart

  • Understanding Cybersecurity in the Space Domain, 6–8 October

The Space Domain Cybersecurity (SpaDoCs) Framework provides a comprehensive and systematic model for understanding and tackling cybersecurity in the space domain. This online course examines the practical issues of developing and sustaining a secure cyber environment through all phases of the space mission lifecycle. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to formulate inputs and issues to a cybersecurity assessment plan for a given space domain scenario. Enrollment is available now at aiaa.org.

  • Aviation Cybersecurity, 26 October–18 November

Aircraft systems integrity, airport security, security of the passengers, cargo, and the myriad systems that support aviation are a few areas where the reliance on computer networks is significant and the consequences of cyber breaches are great. This online course will teach students how to apply principles and best practices of information security, intelligence, and risk assessment to mitigate gaps and vulnerabilities in aviation cybersecurity. Enrollment is available now at aiaa.org.

2021 ASCEND Offering a Tutorial, Demonstration, and Discussions

  • Numerous sessions will be dedicated to cybersecurity during the 2021 ASCEND event as part of its visionary agenda. Attendees will have several opportunities to collaborate during interactive sessions. Register to attend 2021 ASCEND, 8–10 and 15–17 November. Powered by AIAA, ASCEND was launched in 2020 to Accelerate Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery.

Free Resources Available to Cultivate Aerospace Leaders’ Cyber Hygiene Mindset

  • Webinar Replay: “Cybersecurity Headlines: What the Aerospace Industry Should Know.” Aerospace professionals must get prepared for disruptive ransomware and cyber espionage. Industry and academia experts at the nexus of aerospace and cybersecurity shared their insights on what’s next and how to get ready. Webinar speakers were from University of Michigan, The Aerospace Village, Cyber Defense Agency and SCYTHE.
  • AIAA White Paper: “Aerospace Cybersecurity: Enduring Challenges, Enduring Solutions; Bringing Cyber Protection to the Heart of the Aerospace Industry.” This white paper summarizes findings from the AIAA Aerospace Cybersecurity Market Study (2020). Key insights include:
  • Application security and disaster recovery are viewed as the areas of greatest need for tailored aerospace cybersecurity solutions.
  • Information, network, and operational security are viewed as the areas with confidence in  cybersecurity solutions where the industry is likely to have solutions in place.

Long-Term Changes Also Needed in University Curriculum
There is growing concern that university-level aerospace education needs more coverage of cybersecurity and digital topics. New aerospace engineers and scientists assigned to product security or digital projects can take up to year to get up to speed on cybersecurity and digital — because they often are not getting the coursework and preparation they need for the new normal of digital aerospace. AIAA and its members recognize the process of changing aerospace curriculum and learning expectations will take years. AIAA is involved in key groups that influence aerospace curriculum and standards, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the Aerospace Department Chairs Association (ADCA).

Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

AIAA Says the Aerospace Industry Outlook Is Cautiously Optimistic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Survey of Industry Professionals Reveals Need for Continued Innovation and Success

September 14, 2021 – Reston, Va. – To move forward after a turbulent year, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is assessing the path ahead. In a recent survey, AIAA asked its members and the aerospace community at large—including leaders, professionals, academics, and students—to gauge overall sentiment and industry outlook, as well as challenges and opportunities. The initial findings were released today in the Executive Summary, available for download immediately. The full report, “2021 AIAA State of the Industry Report: The Health and Future Outlook of the Aerospace Industry,” will be released the week of September 27.

The report reveals perspectives of those who are driving the profession forward. The data spans the three AIAA domains—Aeronautics, Aerospace Research and Development (R&D), and Space. Top-line findings include:

  • The aerospace industry outlook is cautiously optimistic. More than 80% of respondents are somewhat and very positive about the future of the aerospace industry. Not surprisingly, the mood is more subdued in the aviation sector, with only 75% reporting a positive outlook.
  • Careers in aerospace are promising. Current professionals in the industry would recommend a career in aerospace to a young person right now—with a net promoter score (NPS) of 29.
  • Cybersecurity tops the list of challenges facing aerospace and defense. Cybersecurity stands out among the most significant challenges—those in the United States place it as one of the top two priorities for their organizations.
  • Professionals rank technologies based on where they see opportunity. The most opportunities are seen in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence/machine learning—but space has the momentum at this time.
  • Public policy priorities for aerospace are clear. Stable funding, research investments, technology infrastructure, and an educated workforce pipeline are seen as priorities for congressional and executive branch action, cutting across industry sectors.
  • Demonstrating commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a focus. DEI is viewed as a priority for employees, especially tied to workforce development. Despite the focus, workers are not sure employers are making the most meaningful changes.
  • COVID-19 impacts will continue as the aviation sector recovers. Pandemic-related challenges impacted business operations across sectors. Nearly 30% of aerospace professionals reported seeing changes in travel due to COVID-19 as transformational to their business operations. New levels of interdisciplinary collaboration will be required for long-term success in the aviation industry recovery.

“AIAA is committed to solving the problems, developing new ideas, and applying technology in creative ways to build a better future for everyone. The findings in the ‘2021 AIAA State of the Industry Report’ affirm our key issues and provide new insights that will help us address our community’s immediate needs and priorities as we shape the future of aerospace. We will use this data to help make progress at the pace required to accelerate innovation in our three domains—Aeronautics, Aerospace R&D, and Space,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA Executive Director.

The “2021 AIAA State of the Industry Report: The Health and Future Outlook of the Aerospace Industry” summarizes the findings from a survey of approximately 1,000 people conducted by Edge Research on behalf of AIAA in April 2021. Respondents were from across the United States and 37 other countries. Respondents included AIAA members—current aerospace professionals, academics, students (master’s and Ph.D.)—and nonmembers.

AIAA Media Contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804-397-5270 cell

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

AIAA Statement on Release of New Cybersecurity Space Policy Directive

September 8, 2020 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) commends the release of Space Policy Directive 5 (SPD-5), which establishes key cybersecurity principles for cyber protection of space systems.

AIAA commends the work of the National Space Council to highlight best practices for a whole-of-government approach to protect our space assets from cyber threats. This is a great first step. SPD-5 parallels key aspects of AIAA’s cybersecurity program and strategy, particularly fostering partnership between and among federal agencies, nonprofit associations, and industry, as well as concrete partnership steps with such private sector cybersecurity organizations as the Space and National Defense ISACs. We look forward to working with the administration and these other stakeholders to support the development of a more robust, long-term aerospace cyber infrastructure.

Media contact: Brian Talbot, [email protected], 703.980.4132

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

AIAA Statement on FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AIAA Executive Director Applauds Commitment to Department of Defense

January 1, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) applauds the passage of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act. Among other things, the $732 billion policy bill creates a Senate-confirmed director for cybersecurity, accelerates the acquisition of space systems, prioritizes missile defense, and strengthens science and technology efforts.

AIAA Executive Director Dan Dumbacher made the following statement after the president signed the authorization bill into law:

“For the 60th consecutive year Congress worked in a bipartisan fashion to address the needs of our warfighters and our national defense industrial base. Both Congress and the administration have made it a priority to focus on national security space and modernize our defenses and maintain our preeminence over our adversaries. Such efforts come at a critical moment for our nation as the coronavirus pandemic is weakening the resilient aerospace and defense (A&D) industry. Enormous revenue losses, challenges to our military capabilities, and the interruption of essential supply chains composed of small and mid-sized companies are creating a dire situation that cannot easily be reversed. The A&D industry is critical to our economic and national security, and it will be an essential part of our nation’s rapid recovery from the pandemic.

While this essential policy bill is helpful and necessary, we continue to call on policymakers to support the people and the companies of the A&D industry by passing fiscal year 2021 appropriations and additional relief measures. AIAA, through our events, technical resources and membership, remains committed to working with defense leadership to ensure the advancement of aerospace.”

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804.397.5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

AIAA White Paper Calls for Cyber Protection in the Aerospace Industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has published a white paper on cybersecurity, “Aerospace Cybersecurity: Enduring Challenges, Enduring Solutions; Bringing Cyber Protection to the Heart of the Aerospace Industry.” The white paper, available to download, includes extended findings from the AIAA Aerospace Cybersecurity Market Study (2020).

“AIAA spent 2020 bringing cybersecurity front and center. Importantly, our Aerospace Cybersecurity Steering Group has been the driving force behind our increased focus on this topic. Their findings are informing AIAA’s position on enhancing cyber protection in aerospace. We look forward to making continued progress together in 2021,” said Dan Dumbacher, AIAA Executive Director.

In addition to the work of the Aerospace Cybersecurity Steering Group, AIAA’s Aerospace Cybersecurity Market Study measured the aerospace community’s level of concern with cybersecurity. Nearly 75 percent of respondents expressed strong interest in AIAA’s efforts to promote cybersecurity awareness.

The AIAA Aerospace Cybersecurity Market Study also found:

  • Strong demand exists to increase cybersecurity awareness tailored to the aerospace industry.
  • Cybersecurity is beginning to be included in managing supply chain, development, engineering, and production processes.
  • Academic partners believe cybersecurity curriculum is needed for university students, as well as current industry professionals.

AIAA is already developing content and events to promote the integration of cybersecurity into aerospace practice on a par with safety and mission assurance. The next event is:

Virtual Capture-The-Flag (CTF) competition
Friday, January 22, 12:30 p.m.
No charge, advance registration required

  • A competitive learning lab for aerospace professionals of all skill and experience levels. Developed by Embry-Riddle, participants will solve general cybersecurity challenges and progress to aerospace-specific challenges such as decrypting navigation data and finding bugs in satellite ground station systems.

Also, hear more about the CTF at the 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum, Tuesday, January 12, 12 noon.

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804.397.5270

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, or follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Chinese Military Analyst Releases Plan to Hack Starlink

Bloomberg reports that in a paper “published this spring by the Beijing Institute of Tracking and Telecommunications Technology, a researcher urges the Chinese military to track and monitor every satellite in the sprawling Starlink network.” The paper, published in the Modern Defense Technology journal, reads Starlink “can provide more stable and reliable communication capabilities for the combat units deployed by the US military around the world. On the other hand, it also has the potential to provide high-definition pictures and even live video.” Therefore, Beijing should consider “a combination of soft and hard kill methods” in order to “make some Starlink satellites lose their functions and destroy the constellation’s operating system.” Space Law and Policy Solutions founder Michael Listner said, “This is a national security issue for the Chinese, they’re looking at Taiwan, if something happens, this system could be important for the Defense Department. Starlink offers the US military resiliency. You can hit our systems but we have backup capabilities.”
Full Story (Bloomberg)

SpaceX Prioritizes Cybersecurity to Counteract Starlink Jamming

Space News reported that, citing Starlink jamming “near conflict areas,” Elon Musk said that SpaceX will be “reprioritzed to cyber defence & overcoming signal jamming” at the expense of “slight delays” in Starship and Starlink V2. Musk said that the company was shifting its resources in response to jamming of terminals, presumably in Ukraine. A recent update to Starlink software “bypasses the jamming,” he added. Musk also claimed that Starlink “is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so the probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution.” That shift in resources does not appear to affect other SpaceX initiatives, including launching additional current-generation Starlink satellites.
Full Story (Space News)