Investigating Security Vulnerabilities in Avionics On-board Networks

This report examines the critical issue of cybersecurity in avionics, focusing on the vulnerabilities of on-board networks. It highlights the increasing use of wireless networks in aeroplanes and the potential for cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for robust security measures. The report discusses the challenges of securing these networks, including the use of unique profiles, firewalls, and software certifications. It also explores methods to address cyber threats, such as regular security patches and remote monitoring. The author concludes that despite the existing security measures, on-board networks are still vulnerable, and the report underscores the importance of proactive security measures to protect these critical systems.

SECURITY OF ON-
BOARD NETWORK IN
AVIONICS
NAME OF THE STUDENT:
NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY:

INTRODUCTION
• Although the use of wireless networks are generally not allowed inside aeroplanes, there are some
airline companies that provide WiFi services so that the passengers can connect to the internet without
having to use cellular connection.
• On-board WiFi network is also used by fighter jets and other defence flights in order to contact with the
base regarding position of attack or enemy location.
• However, it has been seen that these on-board WiFi connections can be compromised even from a
remote location if there is no sufficient network security measures are taken.

CYBER SECURITY ISSUE IN AVIONICS
• Due to the considerable development of wireless
technology in the last few years, flight passengers are
now able to access the internet while travelling in
the aeroplanes (Mink et al., 2016).
• The primary precautions taken by the network
providers for on-board use includes use of unique
profile with passwords, network firewalls, software
certification and others.
• The on-board networks used for defence purposes
are further secured using strong firewalls and
external traffic jammer.
• In spite of these precautions, recent cases suggest
that the on-board networks are vulnerable to cyber
security issues (Xu et al., 2018).
• In the last few years, there have been numerous
cases of on-board network security compromise
most of which have been executed from a remote
location.

ADDRESSING CYBER SECURITY ISSUES IN
AVIONICS
• One of the suggested method to address cyber
security issues in avionics is to apply regular
patches to the on-board networking devices so
that the created loopholes inside the network
can be fixed (Waheed & Cheng, 2017).
• Another possible method suggested by some
researchers in order to address the issues is
Satcom remote monitoring.
• Traffic blockage and restriction of access to non-
verified and potentially threatening websites is
another possible solution to the same (Holt et al.,
2016).

CONCLUSION
• Finally, it can be concluded that on-board
networks in aeroplanes are very much
vulnerable to cyber security issues.
• Since the network security compromise is
done through the wireless network,
application of simple security patches are not
suitable for addressing the issues.
• Most aircraft companies do not consider
providing regular patches to the on-board
devices as it is a very expensive and time
consuming process.

REFERENCES
• Holt, T. B., Moallemi, M., Weiland, L., Earnhardt, M., & McMullen, S. (2016). Aircraft Cyber Security and
Information Exchange Safety Analysis for Department of Commerce.
• Mink, D., Yasinsac, A., Choo, K. K. R., & Glisson, W. (2016). Next generation aircraft architecture and
digital forensic.
• Waheed, M., & Cheng, M. (2017, September). A system for real-time monitoring of cybersecurity events
on aircraft. In Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 2017 IEEE/AIAA 36th (pp. 1-3). IEEE.
• Xu, Y., Wang, G., Wei, S., Blasch, E., Pham, K., & Chen, G. (2018). High-throughput, cyber-secure
multiuser superposition covert avionics system. IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 33(2),
4-15.