Key cyber threats and defenses for business aviation
Risk management goals and procedures must meet a range of emerging threats, with robust protection strategies to overcome policy gaps.
By Don Van Dyke
ATP/Helo/CFII, F28, Bell 222
Pro Pilot Canada Technical Editor
Its attendant luxury, value, and exposure explains why executive business aviation is a prime cyber target. While this paper is focused on cyber threats to business aviation, whatever is endured by the global aviation community has ramifications for this sector.
The relative scarcity of cyber attacks on business aviation prior to 2010 can be attributed to a mix of technological, strategic, and cultural factors.
At that time, aircraft systems were principally analog. Isolated digital systems operated with little or no Internet connectivity, making remote cyber intrusions virtually impossible. Also, most business jets did not offer onboard Wi-Fi or connected entertainment systems, which today persist as potential entry points for cyber attackers.
Security at that time concentrated on defeating physical threats with locks, access control, and surveillance. Cyber security was not widely understood throughout aviation, and few operators considered it a significant risk.
Cyber security in business aviation today is no longer just an information technology (IT) concern – it features as a mission-critical priority.
Cyber threats
Arguably, the greatest cyber threat to business aviation today is artificial intelligence- (AI-) powered and ransomware-based attacks, especially those targeting flight operations, passenger data, and 3rd-party systems.
Aircraft systems and avionics. GPS spoofing involves manipulating navigation signals to mislead positioning. An aircraft carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was recently targeted by GPS jamming. The pilots, reportedly using paper maps to navigate, landed the aircraft safely.
Avionics hacking exploits vulnerabilities in onboard flight systems, potentially affecting control or safety. Using the Internet of things (IoT), modern jet aircraft have more than 100 interconnected systems – each a potential entry point for attackers.
Passenger and crew data. Inflight Wi-Fi and satellite communication can be breached to steal personal or financial data. The same entry points may be used for phishing and credential theft using fake e-mails or messages to gain access to sensitive systems. Loyalty programs and booking systems are increasingly targeted to commit airmiles fraud.
Post-2010, aircraft systems became increasingly connected and business aviation adopted digital tools. Consequently, the cyber threat surface expanded dramatically. Cyber criminals began targeting aviation more aggressively, especially as high-net-worth individuals and sensitive corporate data became accessible through these platforms. With time, cyber attack types become more sophisticated and varied in their capabilities.
Ground operations and infrastructure. Ransomware attacks target flight departments, reservation systems, and/or airport IT networks to lock operations until a ransom is paid. A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack floods servers to disrupt services like ticketing, check-in, or air traffic control.
Supply chain vulnerabilities and 3rd-party software updates, like the catastrophic 2024 CrowdStrike outage, can cascade into aviation disruptions.
Insider threats. Individuals with access to systems may intentionally or accidentally compromise cyber security. Social engineering involves manipulating insiders to reveal credentials or bypass security protocols.
Advanced persistent threats (APTs). Nation-state actors target aviation for espionage, disruption, or geopolitical leverage. AI-powered cyber attacks use machine learning to adapt and bypass traditional defenses in real time.
Defenses against cyber threats
Adherence to ICAO, IATA, EASA, and FAA cyber security frameworks is essential to maintaining regulatory compliance and a proactive culture of cyber security awareness.
With threats evolving rapidly, especially in areas like ransomware, GPS spoofing, and AI-powered attacks, the most effective defenses are layered, proactive, and deeply embedded in both technology and culture.
Strategic integration of cyber security. Cyber security embedded as a critical element of core business strategy and operations inspires continuous risk assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across aircraft systems, ground operations, and supply chains.
Advanced technical safeguards. These use encryption to protect data communications between aircraft and ground systems as well AI-driven monitoring to identify anomalies (eg, deepfakes) and AI-powered malware.
AI-driven security solutions include deployed firewalls, encryption protocols, intrusion detection systems, and secure cloud infrastructure to protect networks and data. Implementing cyber threat intelligence (CTI) and managing security services enables real-time threat detection and rapid response.
Supply chain risk management. Automated programs can be established to monitor and secure 3rd-party vendors and IT service providers, who often introduce vulnerabilities.
Blockchain is emerging rapidly as a critical pillar in aviation cyber security, offering transformative capabilities that address some of the industry’s most pressing digital vulnerabilities.
Using decentralized ledger access ensures that, once data is recorded, it cannot be altered. This guarantees immutable data integrity.
The landmark EASA VIRTUA research and innovation case study explored how blockchain technology can be used to improve traceability, authenticity, and life cycle management of aviation assets while also identifying necessary changes to regulations and standards.
Ongoing blockchain benefits include tamper-proof tracking of origin and status, secure data sharing in real time, transparent audit trails, and shared trust across borders.
As technologies evolve, data analytics will be used to assess and manage risks across the entire aviation ecosystem.
Physical and operational security. It is important to maintain strict gate access policies, camera surveillance, and endpoint protection for onboard and ground systems.
Updating and patching avionics and software and communication systems regularly can prevent exploitation (eg, ACARS vulnerabilities).
Incident response and resilience. Developing and rehearsing robust incident response plans are ways to contain and recover from cyber attacks quickly.
Continuous modernization of security practices can pre-empt emerging threats like GPS spoofing and ransomware attacks.
Regulatory compliance and collaboration. Business aviation participants must align with international frameworks which promote governance, legislation, and information sharing, like the ICAO Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy.
Industry fosters collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders through organizations like the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), and the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) to build, strengthen, and update a resilient cyber security ecosystem.
Human-centric defense strategies
Cyber security in business aviation is not just an IT department issue. Non-IT personnel – executives, pilots, cabin staff, maintenance personnel, dispatchers, airport personnel, air traffic controllers, security staff, and so many others in and supporting the aviation domain – play critically important roles in achieving the cyber security objectives.
Education and awareness. Providing comprehensive and role-specific employee cyber security training is essential to increase awareness and reduce human error, which remains a leading cause of security breaches. This training must be refreshed and certified continuously. Regular briefings or newsletters can keep personnel informed about emerging risks and tactics used by hackers. Awareness programs should emphasize vigilance against phishing and unauthorized device use.
Table 1 (see page 48) identifies aviation-specific cyber security resources and guidance materials which should form part of an up-to-date and renewable program of cyber security education and awareness.
Secure daily practices. These include reducing reliance on passwords which are often reused across platforms, and educating staff on phishing, password hygiene (including use of multi-factor authentication), incident response, social engineering, and safe device usage – especially avoiding unknown USBs, public chargers, and public Wi-Fi.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) should be used when accessing sensitive systems remotely. To protect the aviation domain, personnel must patch and update regularly their devices and software with the latest versions.
Operational vigilance. The credentials of 3rd-party vendors must be verified periodically, ensuring that security protocols are known, approved, and followed.
A culture of respectful vigilance, in which crew and staff feel confident reporting anomalies or suspicious behavior without fear of blame, should be encouraged. Device access – including onboard systems or connections to external devices – should be limited to authorized personnel only.
Sustaining a cyber security culture. Leadership commitment is critically important in building and maintaining a culture that prioritizes cyber security and incentivizes staff involvement.
Since clear communication is an essential element of culture, cyber security must be made a part of organizational policy to include daily briefings and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Key benefits of a strong cyber security culture
Robust cyber security systems and culture in business aviation are more than technical safeguards – they are strategic assets that drive resilience, trust, and long-term value.
Regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. By aligning with international standards (eg, ICAO, FAA, EASA), strong cyber security systems help avoid fines and regulatory penalties. They also reduce liability by demonstrating proactive risk management and due diligence.
Operational resilience. Minimizing disruptions from cyber attacks ensures continuity of flight operations, scheduling, and ground services. It protects critical systems (eg, avionics, navigation systems, maintenance logs) from unauthorized access or manipulation.
Communication facilities between aircraft and ground operations are secured through encrypted channels.
Enhanced reputation and client trust. A visible cyber security culture builds confidence among high-net-worth clients, executives, and stakeholders who rely on secure, private travel. Data protection and confidentiality measures safeguard sensitive passenger, crew, and corporate data from breaches, reducing exposure to legal and reputational risks. This positions the organization as a responsible, forward-thinking operator in a competitive market.
Long-term value. Financial protections and cost avoidance facilities are afforded by robust cyber security systems. Costly aircraft downtime, ransom payments, and recovery expenses from breaches or system failures are avoided.
In addition, intellectual property and proprietary business data is protected from theft or sabotage.
Employee engagement. A robust cyber security culture empowers and engages staff to recognize and report threats and anomalous behavior. Benefits include reduced human error and mitigated insider risks.
A culture of accountability and continuous improvement is fostered across diverse internal departments as well as external service providers.
Strategic advantage. Strong cyber security policies and procedures enable safe adoption of advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and real-time data analytics in aviation operations.
In this way, cyber security supports innovation while maintaining a secure digital environment. In many cases, this allows mitigation or management of risk, allowing the organization to gain certain strategic advantages safely.
Conclusions
Cyber security threats are increasing in volume and destructive capability, as are consequential costs. Identification of vulnerabilities, effective countermeasures, and proactive defensive cyber security cultures are the goals of comprehensive systems to protect aviation at large.
Trends in cyber security, such as AI-driven threats or regulatory shifts, demand immediate attention to formulate appropriate mitigation strategies. Stakeholders are encouraged to invest in training, technology, and collaboration.
Cyber threats and attacks evolve as rapidly as aviation technology itself. Business aviation must encouragecultures of vigilance, resilience, and continuous learning to safeguard its assets, passengers, and reputation. By investing in robust cyber security and fostering cross-sector collaboration, the industry will defend against emerging threats and position itself as a model of digital trust and operational excellence.
Don Van Dyke is professor of advanced aerospace topics at Chicoutimi College of Aviation – CQFA Montréal. He is an 18,000-hour TT pilot and instructor with extensive airline, business and charter experience on both airplanes and helicopters. A former IATA ops director, he has served on several ICAO panels. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and is a flight operations expert on technical projects under UN administration.