Harnessing AI for aerospace cybersecurity
Image courtesy Expleo
The potential for AI to support cybersecurity in the aerospace sector is exponential and creates opportunities to innovate and integrate this new technology to benefit everything from zero trust architecture to conducting threat modelling on potential attack vectors.
Also, while AI-led technology promises a bright future for cybersecurity in aerospace, the equally rapid emergence of more sophisticated cyber-attacks casts a long shadow, as bad actors adapt their attack strategies to incorporate advances in AI.
It is a delicate balance but with the right strategies and approach, the sector can tip the scales, turning AI-powered cybersecurity to its advantage.
How aerospace is leveraging AI
Aerospace companies are already embracing AI in many aspects of their operations, particularly in combination with robotic process automation (RPA). RPA has long been acknowledged as a powerful tool for increasing efficiency, reducing errors and allowing people to focus on more complex tasks. However, when AI is overlaid onto RPA, the potential benefits for cybersecurity are multiplied. AI can enhance threat detection, monitor data loss and track vital data across various applications.
Furthermore, AI enables real-time monitoring of aircraft control systems. This capability helps identify anomalies and suspicious activity that may indicate a hacking attempt, allowing for a swift response. AI does not just detect issues but also identifies vulnerabilities in system architecture, providing recommendations for software patches to close these security gaps before they are exploited.
An airborne data centre
Today’s aircraft are more than just a mode of transportation, they are airborne data centres, equipped with connected systems that bad actors may seek to exploit. This, coupled with the sector’s wide-adoption of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software and hardware, creates further potential for vulnerabilities to be exploited throughout the supply chain without the right protections in place.
While some of these risks lie beyond the industry’s immediate control, aerospace companies can take proactive steps to mitigate threats by embedding AI into their cybersecurity planning and processes.
An AI-driven protection plan
A comprehensive approach to aerospace cybersecurity begins with AI. By applying a three-point plan, organisations can leverage AI to address key vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of aerospace systems.
- Automated threat detection and response
AI overlays assist human operators by identifying trends that may not be immediately visible, generating automated reports and alerts. This technology makes threat detection faster and more accurate, ensuring that no threat goes unnoticed.
- Incident response
AI can rapidly scan logs for relevant information, create a reliable timeline of events and even provide context for human decision-makers. This speeds up incident response times, ensuring that threats are managed efficiently before they escalate.
- Analytics and anomaly detection
By using AI to analyse behaviour patterns, companies can block or prevent anomalies before they develop into full-blown attacks. This predictive capability offers a powerful advantage in maintaining the integrity of aerospace systems.
Building AI into zero-trust architecture
The principle of zero trust, which follows the mantra of 'Never Trust, Always Verify', has gained significant traction across many sectors including aerospace. The model is designed to address increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and is actively promoted by the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
By applying AI and machine learning to the zero-trust model, aerospace companies can benefit from adaptive controls that detect unauthorised access attempts to sensitive data.
AI can also provide real-time monitoring of flight control systems, making detection near-instantaneous and automate responses during an incident, such as revoking access or escalating the issue to human control.
Preparing for the future
Bad actors work to consistently refine their exploitation strategies using the same AI-led technology that is also often used in defence. Autonomous vehicles, for instance, are an area of particular concern, where attackers could target AI training models with the aim of taking control.
In addition, poorly stored AI-based information and inadequately protected inventory systems are likely targets for cybercriminals. Without regular fixes and updates, these vulnerabilities could disrupt supply chains and critical infrastructure.
The key to protecting the sector lies in continuous testing and multilayered cybersecurity strategies. Only through a combination of AI-driven solutions and rigorous testing can aerospace pave the way for a new golden age of flight - one that is characterised by innovation, sustainability and robust cybersecurity.
