Introduction

In an era of unprecedented digital transformation, Cybersecurity for Airport and Airline Systems has emerged as a paramount concern, essential for safeguarding the integrity, safety, and continuity of global air travel. Modern aviation relies heavily on interconnected IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) systems—from air traffic control and flight planning to passenger management and baggage handling. The escalating sophistication of cyber threats, including ransomware, data breaches, and targeted attacks on critical infrastructure, poses significant risks not only to financial stability and reputational standing but, more critically, to the safety of passengers and aircraft. A single cyber incident can cascade into widespread operational disruptions, leading to flight cancellations, data compromises, and a severe erosion of public trust. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the expertise to master Cybersecurity for Airport and Airline Systems.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower IT security managers, network architects, compliance officers, risk managers, operations supervisors, and executive leadership within airlines, airports, MROs, and aviation authorities with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to build and maintain robust cybersecurity defenses for complex aviation systems. Participants will gain a deep understanding of current threat landscapes, learn about industry-specific vulnerabilities, master risk assessment methodologies, and explore strategies for implementing layered security controls. The course will delve into topics such as network segmentation, incident response planning, supply chain cybersecurity, data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), threat intelligence sharing, and the integration of cybersecurity into Safety Management Systems (SMS). By mastering the principles and methodologies of Cybersecurity for Airport and Airline Systems, participants will be prepared to proactively mitigate cyber risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect the vital digital infrastructure that underpins safe and efficient air transportation.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Airport IT Security Managers and Analysts
• Airline Cybersecurity Managers and Specialists
• Aviation Network Engineers and Architects
• Compliance and Risk Management Officers in Aviation
• Airport Operations and Air Traffic Management (ATM) IT Personnel
• Airline Operations and Flight Operations IT Personnel
• Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Aviation
• Aviation Legal and Regulatory Compliance Staff
• Executive Leadership (for strategic overview of cyber risk)
• Auditors and Assessors of Aviation Systems

Objectives

• Understand the unique cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities facing airport and airline systems.
• Learn about international and national cybersecurity regulations relevant to aviation.
• Acquire proficiency in conducting cyber risk assessments specific to aviation environments.
• Comprehend the principles of securing IT and OT networks in airports and airlines.
• Explore strategies for developing and implementing effective incident response and recovery plans.
• Understand the importance of supply chain cybersecurity and third-party risk management.
• Gain insights into data privacy considerations and regulatory compliance in aviation.
• Develop a framework for building a robust cybersecurity culture and continuous improvement.

Course Content

Module 1: The Aviation Cyber Threat Landscape

• Understanding the critical reliance on IT and OT systems in aviation.
• Common cyberattack vectors against airports and airlines: ransomware, phishing, DDoS, insider threats.
• Case studies of significant cyber incidents in the aviation industry and their impact.
• Motivations of cyber adversaries: financial gain, espionage, sabotage, geopolitical.
• The interconnectedness of aviation systems and cascading failure risks.

Module 2: Aviation Cybersecurity Regulations and Frameworks

• Overview of international aviation cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., ICAO Cybersecurity Action Plan).
• National regulations and directives for airport and airline cybersecurity (e.g., TSA Directives, EASA Part-IS).
• Industry standards and best practices (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001).
• Compliance requirements and reporting obligations for aviation organizations.
• The role of aviation authorities in cybersecurity oversight.

Module 3: Cyber Risk Management and Assessment

• Principles of cyber risk management in a safety-critical environment.
• Methodologies for conducting cyber risk assessments for IT and OT systems.
• Identifying critical assets and potential attack surfaces in airports and airlines.
• Quantifying and prioritizing cyber risks based on likelihood and impact.
• Integrating cyber risk management into the overall Safety Management System (SMS).

Module 4: Securing Airport and Airline Networks and Systems

• Network segmentation and isolation for critical IT and OT systems.
• Implementing robust access control measures: identity and access management (IAM), multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Securing operational technologies (OT) like SCADA, ICS, and specialized airport systems.
• Endpoint security for workstations, servers, and mobile devices.
• Secure configuration management and vulnerability patching strategies.

Module 5: Incident Response and Disaster Recovery

• Developing a comprehensive cybersecurity incident response plan.
• Phases of incident response: preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, post-incident analysis.
• Establishing an Incident Response Team (IRT) and defining roles and responsibilities.
• Conducting cybersecurity drills and tabletop exercises.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery planning for cyber events.

Module 6: Supply Chain Cybersecurity and Third-Party Risk

• Understanding the expanded attack surface through third-party vendors and supply chain partners.
• Assessing and managing cybersecurity risks from suppliers (e.g., ground handlers, IT providers, MROs).
• Implementing supply chain due diligence and contractual security requirements.
• Secure information sharing with partners and authorities.
• Best practices for vendor risk assessment and continuous monitoring.

Module 7: Data Privacy, Protection, and Compliance

• Understanding sensitive data in aviation: PII (Personally Identifiable Information), flight data, operational data.
• Key data protection regulations: GDPR, CCPA, and their implications for airlines and airports.
• Data encryption, anonymization, and pseudonymization techniques.
• Privacy by design and default in system development.
• Responding to data breaches and managing breach notifications.

Module 8: Building a Cybersecurity Culture and Future Trends

• The human element in cybersecurity: employee training and awareness programs.
• Fostering a security-conscious culture across the organization.
• Threat intelligence sharing platforms and collaboration within the aviation industry.
• Emerging technologies and their cybersecurity implications: AI, blockchain, quantum computing, IoT in aviation.
• Strategic roadmap for continuous improvement in aviation cybersecurity posture.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training