5G and cybersecurity challenges in the aviation sector

5G and cybersecurity challenges in the aviation sector

The aviation industry has become more digitalized. Thus, the dependence on technology has engendered more cybersecurity risks. In December 2018, Finland Helsinki Airport became the first 5G airport in the world. This achievement came out after a collaboration between the Swedish Telecom provider Telia and the Finnish airport operator Finavia. However, aviation cybersecurity is becoming more and more complex with emerging technologies like the 5G network, according to Security Boulevard.

The adoption of the fifth generation technology would improve the passenger’s experience. Moreover, 4G technology can manage around 10, 000 devices per square kilometre but a 5G network can manage a million, according to the National. The high-speed Internet will facilitate communication between aircraft and their ground control system. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global 5G in the aviation market size is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2026.

With an increasing demand for connectivity, providing a 5G network at the airport becomes crucial. Finnish Telecommunications Company, Nokia, has been collaborating with Belgian mobile operator Citymesh aiming to enable the use of 5G at Brussels Airport by the end of March 2020. However, many challenges arise when talking about the deployment of the 5G network across the aviation market. ImmuniWeb report entitled “State of Cybersecurity at Top 100 Global Airports” states that “97 out of 100 world’s largest airports have security risks related to vulnerable web and mobile applications, misconfigured public cloud, Dark Web exposure or code repositories leaks”.

Airports have suffered from different cybersecurity attacks such as DDoS attacks or incidents in which hackers stole building plans and sensitive security protocols, states Trip Wire.

In 2020, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has shed light on the consideration of emerging cybersecurity challenges in the aviation industry. The report states that the aviation sector will suffer from cyberattacks amid the digitalization process. Cybersecurity threats in the aviation sector are difficult to detect and control resulting in economic losses, and negative impacts on passenger’s experience. According to ‘Building cyber resilience in airports’ report published by PA Consulting, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said that 1,000 attacks on aviation systems happen each month.

5G will increase the entry point for attackers. The UK Civil Aviation Authority CAA has launched the Assure Scheme aiming to strengthen the aviation industry’s cybersecurity resilience.