Emerging Threats

 In the digital world we live in today cyber-attacks are a growing problem. According to IBM, "A cyberattack is a deliberate attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer network, computer system or digital device. The goal is to steal, expose, alter, disable or destroy data, applications or other assets.", (IBM 2025). Cyber-attacks are an evolving threat that take innovation solutions to prevent them.

Layers of security can be used to mitigate cyber-security attacks by providing a multi-step approach to mitigating them. Regulatory responses and modernization efforts in the form of creating a new air traffic control system by 2028, which involves replacing outdated copper wire with fiberoptic cable, wireless and satellite links at over 4,600 ATC sites and creating six new ATC centers, (Davies 2025).  The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system is also being updated, it will be able to broadcast close to real-time data and is secured in the cloud. The FAA issued special conditions to standardize criteria and streamline the process for approving new security products. All of these changes are an attempt to revamp the outdated system, to stay completive with evolving hackers and protect our national security.

The current mitigation strategy involves employee detection training, and utilizing technology like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. While these strategies are steps in the right direction, they aren't enough to solve the problem. Cyber-attacks rose by 131% between 2022 and 2023, (Davies 2025). 

To combat the rising trend of cyber-attacks, we must look bravely into the future and embrace what artificial intelligence can offer us. Utilizing AI-driven threat detection can allow us to notice anomalies in flight patterns in real-time. While data driven threats may seem harmless compared to the physical threats of the past, they can cause real damage, resulting in delays, cancelations, and disrupted business. Confusion causes chaos, which is the goal of cyber terrorists. To defend national security, we must be able to predict problems before they happen.

References:

Davies, N. (2025, June 9). Cybersecurity in aviation: Rising threats and modernization efforts. SecureWorld. Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.secureworld.io/industry-news/aviation-cybersecurity-threats

Krantz, T., & Jonker, A. (2025). What is a cyberattack? IBM Think. Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/cyber-attack


Comments

  1. Hangar Desk DiariesNovember 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM

    This review of emerging threats highlights how rapidly the aviation landscape is changing. The connection you drew between system complexity and rising cyber vulnerabilities is especially important for students of aviation and aerospace science. Clear detection protocols and disciplined communication can prevent small signals from becoming major incidents. Your analysis emphasizes why safety, ethics, and technical awareness must evolve together as new risks appear.

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