Worried over the threats fight safety posed by the increased digitalisation of aircraft and interconnectivity of aviation systems, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) have agreed to work together to enhance cybersecurity in international aviation and tackling the threats.
EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky and President of the BSI Arne Schönbohm signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to this effect at the BSI offices in Bonn.
“Flying is generally considered the safest form of transport. Considering the increasing digitalisation and connectivity in aviation, cybersecurity is a key factor to ensure that this remains the case. We can only have a successful digital takeoff in aviation if information security is on board from the very beginning,” Schönbohm said.
“The roles and responsibilities of EASA and BSI are complementary,” he added. “This is why we are expanding our strategic cooperation. Together, we will be able to spread a shield of cybersecurity for aircraft, manufacturers and airlines as well as for airports and air traffic control.”
“We are very happy to have reached this agreement with such a prestigious authority to support us in the cyber age of aviation,” said EASA’s Ky. “Cybersecurity is an essential component to ensure flight safety. We are confident that this cooperation will help to increase our joint awareness of cybersecurity threats and the best practices for managing them.”
In the agreement, the BSI and EASA agree to exchange relevant information on information security incidents and threats and to cooperate on managing cyberattacks and information security incidents within their respective areas of responsibility. The cooperation also aims to identify possible conflicts between European and national regulations and to set up consistent solutions, so that organisations in all areas of aviation can effectively and sustainably increase their cybersecurity.
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