Oxford Systems Airports

Navigating the eVTOL Era: Cybersecurity’s Crucial Role in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

AeroRomulan — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:21:42 +0000

The future is descending from the skies, literally. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), encompassing electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and integrated drone operations, promises to revolutionize urban transportation. Imagine air taxis seamlessly navigating cityscapes or drones delivering packages with unparalleled speed. This vision, however, rests on a foundation that must be robustly secure, not just safe. Cybersecurity is not merely a component of AAM; it is an inherent, non-negotiable safety attribute.

The Convergence of Threats in AAM

What makes AAM uniquely challenging from a cybersecurity perspective is the unprecedented convergence of previously distinct threat landscapes:

Aviation Safety-Critical Systems: eVTOLs are aircraft. Their flight control, navigation, and propulsion systems are paramount to safety, much like traditional aircraft. A cyberattack here isn’t just data theft; it’s a direct threat to human life.

Operational Technology (OT) Integration: Ground infrastructure for AAM, like vertiports, charging stations, and air traffic management systems, heavily relies on OT – industrial control systems that manage physical processes. These systems have historically been isolated but are now becoming highly connected, merging IT and OT vulnerabilities.

Cloud-Native & IoT Dependence: AAM operations are heavily reliant on cloud-based software for scheduling, fleet management, real-time communication, and data processing. Billions of IoT sensors on aircraft and ground infrastructure generate vast amounts of data, creating a massive attack surface if not secured end-to-end.

Real-World Risks and Scenarios

Consider the implications of a cyber-physical attack in this environment:

GNSS Spoofing/Jamming: Malicious actors could send false GPS signals, leading eVTOLs astray, potentially into restricted airspace or collision courses.

Compromised Fleet Management: A successful breach of a cloud-based scheduler could ground an entire fleet of air taxis, disrupting operations and eroding public trust.

Data Poisoning: If AI models used for autonomous navigation or collision avoidance are fed manipulated training data, the aircraft itself could make dangerous, incorrect decisions.

Remote Control Hijacking: While rare, vulnerabilities in communication links could, in extreme scenarios, allow unauthorized remote control of an eVTOL.

Building Trust Through Secure-by-Design

The key to building public trust and ensuring the viability of AAM lies in prioritizing cybersecurity from the very earliest design phases. This means adopting “secure-by-design” principles, implementing Zero Trust architectures across every interconnected system (aircraft, vertiport, cloud, user), and ensuring continuous monitoring and vigilance. Traditional aviation security standards, while excellent for legacy systems, reveal significant gaps when applied to the dynamic, connected nature of AAM.

Oxford Systems Aero understands these emerging challenges deeply. We work with AAM developers, vertiport operators, and regulatory bodies to embed robust cybersecurity measures into this new frontier, turning potential risks into assured safety.

Ready to ensure your Advanced Air Mobility initiatives are secure from the ground up?

Phishing for Flights: How Travelers and Airports are Falling Prey to Cyber Scams

146-johngooglemail-com — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 10:10:10 +0000

Ever gotten an email that seemed a little too good to be true? Like, “Congratulations! You’ve won a free trip to Hawaii!” but you don’t remember entering any contest? That, my friend, is likely a phishing scam. And in the world of aviation, these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting both travelers and airport employees.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is like a digital con game. Cybercriminals use emails, text messages, or even fake websites to trick you into giving up sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data. They often pose as trustworthy entities, such as airlines, airports, or travel agencies. Think of it this way: it’s like a fisherman casting a line with tempting bait, hoping you’ll bite and get hooked.

How Phishing Impacts the Aviation Industry

The aviation industry, with its complex network of systems and reliance on digital communication, is a prime target for phishing attacks. Here’s how these scams specifically target people in the aviation world:

Fake Flight Confirmations: You receive an email that looks like it’s from an airline, confirming a flight you didn’t book. Clicking on a link or opening an attachment can infect your device with malware or steal your information. These emails often use official logos and branding to appear legitimate, making them even more deceptive.
Bogus Airport Wi-Fi Networks: While waiting for your flight, you connect to a Wi-Fi network called “Free Airport Wi-Fi.” Sounds convenient, right? But it could be a trap set up by cybercriminals to intercept your data. They can then capture your login credentials, credit card details, and other sensitive information as you browse the internet or access online services.
“Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals: That incredible offer for a $50 roundtrip ticket to Europe? It’s probably a scam designed to steal your credit card information. These scams often lure victims to fake websites that mimic legitimate travel agencies or airline booking portals.
Targeting Airport Employees: Phishing attacks don’t just target travelers. Airport employees, especially those with access to sensitive systems, are also at risk. A successful phishing attack on an employee can give cybercriminals a foothold into the airport’s network, potentially leading to more severe attacks like ransomware or data breaches.

Don’t Get Hooked! How to Spot a Phishing Scam

Check the Sender’s Address: Does the email address look legitimate? Be wary of slight misspellings or unusual domain names. For example, an email supposedly from “Delta Airlines” might come from an address like “deltaairlines.support@gmail.com” – a clear red flag.
Look for Red Flags: Is the message poorly written or full of grammatical errors? Does it create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly? These are often signs of a phishing attempt. Legitimate organizations rarely use such tactics in their communication.
Hover Before You Click: Don’t click on links or attachments in emails unless you’re absolutely sure they’re safe. Hover your mouse over the link to see the actual URL, and be wary of shortened links or URLs that don’t match the sender’s domain.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to contact the supposed sender directly to verify the message. You can call the airline or travel agency using a known phone number from their official website to confirm the legitimacy of the email.

What to Do if You’ve Been Phished

Change Your Passwords: If you think your passwords have been compromised, change them immediately. Choose strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements for any unauthorized activity. If you spot anything suspicious, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately.
Report the Scam: Report the phishing attempt to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG). You can also report it to the organization that the scammer impersonated.
Consider Credit Monitoring: If you’re concerned about the potential impact of a phishing attack on your credit, consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service. This can help you detect any fraudulent activity related to your credit report.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

Phishing scams are a constant threat, but by staying vigilant and following these tips, you can avoid getting hooked. Remember, when it comes to cybersecurity, a little awareness goes a long way.

So, keep your eyes peeled, your guard up, and happy travels!

Ransomware in the Skies: How Airports Can Protect Themselves from This Growing Threat

146-johngooglemail-com — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:44:15 +0000

Ransomware attacks are a growing threat to airports worldwide. These attacks can cripple operations, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and significant financial losses. In 2023, the aviation industry witnessed a resurgence of ransomware attacks, reaching levels not seen since before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This blog post will delve into the specific threat ransomware poses to airports and outline strategies to protect against these attacks.

Understanding the Threat

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts an organization’s data, rendering it inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. In the aviation sector, ransomware gangs often target critical systems, such as air traffic control systems, passenger information systems, and airport operations systems. This can cause major disruptions to airport operations, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and a loss of revenue.

The Evolving Tactics of Ransomware Gangs

Ransomware gangs are constantly evolving their tactics to evade detection and maximize their profits. Some of the current trends include:

Multi-Extortion Strategy: This involves not only encrypting data but also stealing sensitive information and threatening to leak it if the ransom is not paid.
Supply Chain Attacks: Targeting interconnected organizations within the aviation sector, such as suppliers and service providers, to gain access to airport systems.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): A business model where ransomware developers offer their malicious software to affiliates who then carry out the attacks.

Protecting Airports from Ransomware Attacks

Airports can take several steps to protect themselves from ransomware attacks:

Strengthen Cybersecurity Defenses: This includes implementing strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates. It is also crucial to ensure that all systems are backed up regularly and that backups are stored offline.
Employee Education: Employees should be educated about the dangers of ransomware and trained to identify and avoid phishing scams and other social engineering tactics.
Incident Response Plan: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a ransomware attack. This plan should include procedures for isolating infected systems, restoring data from backups, and communicating with stakeholders.
Threat Intelligence Sharing: Participate in threat intelligence sharing platforms to stay informed about the latest ransomware threats and vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity Audits: Conduct regular cybersecurity audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in airport systems.
Collaboration with Cybersecurity Experts: Engage with cybersecurity professionals to assess and improve airport security posture.

The Cost of Inaction

The cost of inaction can be substantial. In addition to financial losses, ransomware attacks can damage an airport’s reputation and erode passenger trust. It is crucial for airports to take proactive steps to protect themselves from this growing threat.

The aviation industry is a complex ecosystem with many interconnected systems and stakeholders. This makes it a prime target for ransomware gangs, who are constantly looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.

One of the biggest challenges in protecting airports from ransomware is the evolving nature of the threat. Ransomware gangs are constantly developing new tactics and techniques to evade detection and maximize their profits. This means that airports need to be constantly vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts.

Another challenge is the interconnectedness of the aviation industry. A successful ransomware attack on one organization can have a ripple effect throughout the entire industry. This is why it is so important for airports to collaborate with other stakeholders and share information about threats and vulnerabilities.

Despite these challenges, there are many things that airports can do to protect themselves from ransomware attacks. By implementing strong cybersecurity defenses, educating employees, and developing a comprehensive incident response plan, airports can significantly reduce their risk.

It is also important for airports to stay informed about the latest ransomware threats and vulnerabilities. This can be done by participating in threat intelligence sharing platforms and working with cybersecurity experts.

I hope this blog post has provided you with a better understanding of the ransomware threat to airports and the steps that can be taken to mitigate this risk.

Remember, the key to protecting your airport from ransomware is to be vigilant, proactive, and informed. Stay safe and keep flying!

The Dark Web and Airports: What You Need to Know About This Hidden Threat

146-johngooglemail-com — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:28:40 +0000

The dark web, a hidden part of the internet, is a breeding ground for cybercriminal activity. It’s where hackers buy, sell, and trade stolen data, including information that could put airports at risk. Think of it as a digital back alley where shady deals happen away from the watchful eyes of search engines and law enforcement.

What’s the Big Deal for Airports?

The dark web poses several serious threats to airports:

Data Leaks: Passenger data, employee credentials, and even airport infrastructure blueprints can end up for sale on the dark web. This information can be used for identity theft, ransomware attacks, or even to plan physical attacks on the airport.
Ransomware: Many ransomware gangs lurk on the dark web, buying and selling access to airport systems. A successful ransomware attack can cripple airport operations, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and significant financial losses.
Insider Threats: Disgruntled employees or those with financial motivations might use the dark web to sell sensitive airport information to cybercriminals.
Hacktivist Activities: The dark web can be a platform for hacktivists to coordinate and launch attacks against airports, often with the goal of causing disruption or spreading propaganda.

Real-World Examples:

The report highlights that in 2023, a significant number of ransomware victims (61%) were supply chain companies linked to airports. These attacks demonstrate how interconnected the aviation industry is and how vulnerable airports can be through their suppliers. Additionally, airports were the target of 69% of DDoS attacks discussed on Telegram channels, showing how these public spaces can be leveraged for malicious purposes.

What Can Airports Do?

Monitor the Dark Web: Airports need to actively monitor the dark web for mentions of their organization, leaked data, and potential threats.
Strengthen Cybersecurity Defenses: This includes implementing strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates.
Train Employees: Employees need to be aware of the threats posed by the dark web and how to avoid falling victim to phishing scams and other attacks.
Collaborate and Share Information: Airports should participate in threat intelligence sharing platforms to stay informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

Delving Deeper into the Shadows: The Dark Web’s Impact on Aviation

The anonymity and accessibility of the dark web make it a particularly challenging threat for airports to address. Unlike traditional cyberattacks that may originate from identifiable sources, threats emerging from the dark web are often shrouded in secrecy, making attribution and prevention more difficult.

The Proliferation of Data Leaks:

One of the most significant concerns for airports is the prevalence of data leaks on the dark web. In 2023, there were 35 instances of posts on underground forums discussing data breaches in the aviation industry, encompassing airspace users, airports, and related service providers. These leaks can expose sensitive information, such as:

Personally Identifiable Information (PII): This includes passenger names, addresses, passport numbers, and even payment card details.
Employee Credentials: Leaked usernames and passwords can provide attackers with unauthorized access to airport systems.
Operational Data: Sensitive information about airport infrastructure, security protocols, and flight schedules can be exploited to disrupt operations or plan physical attacks.

The Rise of Initial Access Brokers (IABs):

Another alarming trend is the increasing activity of Initial Access Brokers (IABs) targeting the aviation industry. These individuals or groups specialize in gaining unauthorized access to airport networks and then selling that access to other cybercriminals. In 2023, there were 9 posts on underground forums offering initial access to the networks of aviation entities, including airlines, airports, and associated service providers. The access offered by IABs can range from basic network credentials to administrative privileges, providing attackers with a foothold to launch further attacks.

The Evolving Tactics of Cybercriminals:

Cybercriminals operating on the dark web are constantly evolving their tactics to evade detection and maximize their profits. Some of the emerging trends include:

The use of Telegram: Telegram channels and groups are becoming increasingly popular platforms for selling access to compromised airport systems and stolen data.
The sale of session cookies: These cookies can allow attackers to bypass login screens and gain access to user accounts without needing credentials.
The rise of non-lookalike domain phishing: This tactic involves using domains that bear no resemblance to legitimate airport domains, making it harder for traditional security tools to detect them.

The Need for Proactive Measures:

The threats posed by the dark web underscore the need for airports to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes:

Investing in dark web monitoring tools: These tools can help airports identify potential threats and data leaks before they can be exploited.
Implementing robust security measures: This includes strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, regular security updates, and employee training.
Collaborating with cybersecurity experts: Engaging with cybersecurity professionals can provide airports with the expertise and resources needed to navigate the complex world of dark web threats.

Stay safe out there!

Aviation Cybersecurity: Penetration Testing How it Works, What it Does and How it Can Help Secure Your Airport

Editorial Team — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 16:54:35 +0000

Background

There are many stories in the news these days regarding companies that were breached, customer data exposed, fines levied – it’s becoming a commonplace occurrence.

Both large and small airports can be a target for cyber criminals. In fact, some types of cyber-crime such as Ransomware have become such a lucrative market that they are now offered on the darkweb as RaaS (Ransomware as a Service), complete with its own support staff and payment systems. The nature of these attacks has evolved significantly over recent years; as the Anti-Virus and Endpoint Detection and Response capabilities have improved, malware (as used historically) is becoming harder to deploy at scale. Threat actors are instead moving to a model where infection and encryption of data is not the only method to extort companies. Instead, while still trying to encrypt company data, they also steal it so that they can blackmail companies into paying them and prevent them from releasing the data publicly.

This change of tactic significantly changes the landscape for every company. Now, it only takes one mistake by one user and everything that an employee has access to can be used in an extortion campaign. Since every airport will hold confidential data that it doesn’t want in the public domain – employee details, customer details, research – every company is a valid target.

The Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) is released every year and offers an invaluable insight into the current threat landscape and emerging trends. The 2024 release details the 180% increase for exploitation of vulnerabilities being the initial point of compromise, which is almost triple on the previous year [1]. The origin of these vulnerabilities being exploited was, perhaps unsurprisingly, typically via web applications. Many of these vulnerabilities can be exploited automatically as soon as they are discovered by a threat actor or their tooling.

Penetration testing can help identify weaknesses in security practices and vulnerabilities before the threat actors do, allowing time to fix them before they are exploited. While a penetration test will not find every possible past, current and future vulnerability affecting an airport, it will help harden an airport to attack. This will make a successful attack a lot less likely, a lot harder to achieve and require a lot more time and effort on the attacker’s end, allowing airports more time to detect and respond to the incident.

Who’s It For

Any airport can benefit from a penetration test; if holding or processing sensitive data, it’s potentially a target to a threat actor. However, there is the cost to be considered – penetration tests are not inexpensive, and reducing the cost by arbitrarily reducing the day count for the engagement is typically not an advisable approach, as it could result in parts of the scope being skipped, which can leave important but unchecked areas of the estate vulnerable. It is therefore recommended to set budget aside each year for cyber security, of which penetration testing should be a component, and that scoping is performed in collaboration with a penetration testing partner. This will help to ensure the airport gets the best value possible from the engagement.

Preparation

Once scoping has been agreed, there will be some steps that the airport needs to take. The penetration testing partner should provide guidance on how to go about preparation, but there are some general actions that should be considered:

Access – the scope of the work will dictate how access will be performed but if the scope is not publicly accessible, some form of remote access may need to be put in place, or onsite work agreed with the partner. As many airports had to put in place technologies to allow for remote working during COVID, this is often relatively straightforward to achieve, and current VPN / Citrix solutions used by employees will often provide an easily solution.
Accounts – penetration testers will benefit from having accounts created for them for whichever domain or application is in scope. Ultimately, they will be trying to locate credentials separately, but having a valid set of credentials will allow them good visibility and help them to provide as much value as possible in the event they are unable to locate any themselves.
Planning for Disruption – disrupting business activities will never be purposefully performed. Good consultants understand how important it is not to impair business operations. However, it is always possible for things to go wrong during a penetration test, despite best efforts. For this reason, having redundancy plans and identifying key systems to handle with caution is a very important pre-engagement activity for any airport.
Notifying SOC and Third Parties – penetration tests by their nature can cause a lot of ‘alarm bells’ to be triggered in defensive technologies. If the airport has a SOC, it is a good idea to notify them that a penetration test is taking place to avoid unnecessary panic and diversion of attention. Equally, all third parties (unless they have explicit exceptions e.g. AWS) who may fall into the scope of the work must be informed and provide written agreement for the penetration taking place to avoid legal implications from the Computer Misuse Act.

What’s Involved

The nature of the work will depend heavily on the scope agreed and the type of testing being performed. However, at a high level, scans will be run to gather a baseline of hosts on the network, services running on those hosts and known vulnerabilities affecting the discovered services. After the baseline scans have taken place, the approach switches to a manual one, where the consultant will be looking at each host and service individually to identify misconfigurations and vulnerabilities that may be present. For web applications this goes into a much deeper review on an application layer for the web services, looking for common and extremely dangerous vulnerabilities in both off-the-shelf and custom-built web applications, no matter what the technology stack is.

Should the internal network be in scope, this would also include a review of the Active Directory (AD). Attempts to use weaknesses in account, group and AD permissions to move laterally onto other machines and escalate privilege can also feature as part of the testing activity.

Reflection

Once the penetration test has completed and the report has been presented, this is the natural time for the airport Head of Cyber Security to assess the holistic picture. This includes reviewing all aspects of the penetration test and identifying trends and urgent actions as a result of the outcome.

The urgent actions are generally a lot easier to identify than trends, and the penetration testing partner can suggest the best way to prioritise issues. Typically, this will be given by a rating system in the report, but it’s best practice to review and discuss the next steps. A typical approach is to work from the highest severity down when considering priority for remediation, but access should also be considered – if a vulnerability is internet facing and high severity it may be more pressing than an internal critical vulnerability, just due to the restricted access. A strong technical understanding is key in appreciating the nature of a vulnerability, and the penetration testing partner should be able to help an airport process the findings and their urgency.

Less urgent but important vulnerabilities can also be established from the report. For example, one missing patch may not constitute a problematic trend. However, if there are several End-of-Life systems discovered and multiple patches missing across many hosts in the estate, this could indicate that the airport’s patch policy may need attention. These can sometimes be hard to identify but reviewing with the consultant who performed the test can provide expert insight on general advice for improving practices moving forwards.

In conclusion, penetration testing is relevant for all airport types and sizes, and it will deliver significantly more value than an automated scan could alone. It should identify vulnerabilities, as well as weaknesses in practices and gaps in policies to help the airport remain resilient long after the engagement has ended and the urgent fixes applied. Discover how we can help support your airprots cybersecurity endeavours here.

Sources:

[1] https://www.verizon.com/business/en-gb/resources/reports/dbir/2024/summary-of-findings/

Aviation Cybersecurity: A Flight Path Through Today’s Turbulent Skies

Editorial Team — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:10:52 +0000

The aviation industry, a testament of human ingenuity and technological progress, is increasingly reliant on interconnected digital systems and complex tools and instruments. These systems enable everything from in-flight entertainment to air traffic control, but they also open the door to a new breed of threat: cyberattacks. The potential fallout from such attacks is huge, ranging from delayed flights and compromised passenger data to potential safety risks that, although are just potential, sometimes outweigh the benefits.

Ransomware: The Digital Hijackers

One particularly widespread threat is ransomware, a malicious software that locks up critical systems and holds them hostage for a hefty ransom. The aviation industry isn’t immune, as recent incidents have shown. Airlines and airports, with their intricate networks and valuable data, are prime targets for these digital hijackers. The aftermath? Flight cancellations, chaos at terminals, and a hefty price tag for recovery, to say the least.

Data Breaches: More Than Just Lost Luggage

But ransomware is just one piece of the puzzle. Data breaches, where sensitive information is stolen or exposed, are another ongoing concern. Think about it: your passport details, credit card numbers, even your flight history – all potentially up for grabs. The fallout from such breaches goes beyond inconvenience, leading to identity theft, damaged reputations, and even potential security threats.

Supply Chain Sabotage: The Weakest Link

The aviation industry’s supply chain is a vast and complex network, with countless components and players. This complexity, while necessary for modern aviation, also creates vulnerabilities. Hackers can infiltrate this network, targeting software, hardware, or even firmware updates, with potentially devastating consequences. A single compromised component can ripple through the entire system, jeopardizing safety and causing operational havoc.

Insider Threats: The Enemy Within

But not all threats come from outside. Disgruntled employees, careless contractors, or even well-meaning staff who fall prey to phishing scams can unwittingly open the door to cyberattacks. Protecting against insider threats requires a multi-pronged approach, from rigorous background checks to ongoing cybersecurity training and awareness programs.

On the Horizon: The Next Generation of Cyber Threats

As we marvel at the technological advancements in aviation, we must also be vigilant about the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats. The rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in aviation brings new opportunities for hackers to exploit. Staying one step ahead of these emerging threats requires constant vigilance, adaptation, and a commitment to innovation.

Oxford Systems: Your Wingman in the Cyber Skies

At Oxford Systems, we’re not just cybersecurity experts; we’re aviation enthusiasts who understand the unique challenges and stakes involved. We offer a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services tailored specifically for the aviation industry, from risk assessments and threat detection to incident response and employee training. Don’t leave your cybersecurity to chance. Partner with Oxford Systems and let us help you navigate the turbulent skies of cyber threats. Because in today’s world, protecting your systems is just as crucial as protecting your passengers.

The Pillars of Cyber Security

Editorial Team — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:14:14 +0000

Information is a critical resource that requires the highest security in today’s increasingly competitive corporate world. Information security is critical to running a business and maintaining that sensitive data is never exposed.

Information security is critical to your company’s survival. As a result, it must be protected against harmful assaults in advance, especially when commercial data is exchanged through networks.

Five key building pieces constitute the foundation of a safe information system. In order to build any type of information security process in your company, you must first put these pillars in place. Continue reading.

User data is protected using the Five Pillars of Cybersecurity approach, which includes confidentiality, integrity, availability, authenticity, and non-repudiation.

Confidentiality

The term ‘confidentiality’ means “to have full trust or reliance”. Confidentiality is a fundamental concept of Cyber security, with roots in the military attitude of retaining top-down power and control over individuals with access to data. Confidentiality should be applied in cloud computing, which will raise the danger of data breach, offering such a service is extremely important in cloud computing: Remote data storage, a lack of network boundary, third-party cloud service providers, multitenancy, and large infrastructure sharing are all obstacles that need to be tackled.

Integrity

Data integrity is a significant part of the structure, execution, and use of any system that stores, interprets, or retrieves data because it protects data correctness and consistency throughout its life cycle. Data integrity failure is defined as any unwanted alterations to data as a result of a storage, retrieval, or computing action, including malicious intent, unanticipated hardware failure, and human mistake. If the modifications are the consequence of illegal access, data protection may have failed.

Availability

Information must be accessible when it is needed for any information system to function well. This implies that the computer systems used to save and analyze the data, as well as the security measures and communication routes required to access it, must all be operational. Availability is typically seen as one of the most critical aspects of a successful information security program in the domain of cyber security.

Authenticity

This security feature is used to validate the legitimacy of a communication, message, or source, as well as an individual’s authority to receive specified data. Authentication protects users from impersonation by requiring them to verify their identities before being granted permissions and resources. User ID, passwords, emails, fingerprints, and other personal information are all included.

Non-repudiation

Non-repudiation is a legal term that refers to a person’s desire to carry out their contractual duties. It also indicates that neither one nor the other participant to a transaction can dispute that they have received or delivered a transaction. While data encryption methods can help with non-repudiation attempts, the term is really a legal concept that transcends the domain of technology.

Cyber Security Consulting is not about telling clients they are wrong!

Editorial Team — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:08:27 +0000

Cyber security has been around for a while now however its meaning remains unclear. In fact, a taxonomy of cyber security would be very useful as terms and ideas are banded about without any clear definition. One thing does seem clear is that there is a perception that if you offer cyber security consultancy you will be finding fault and telling people they are wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth.

When I have been engaged in cyber security consulting projects I have dealt with highly skilled and talented professionals. Cyber consultancy often begins in the IT department and there are a range of technical tests that need to be undertaken. These tests are not new and IT managers are familiar with them and pose no threat. They have been testing their systems for years and penetration testing is a well-established part of the IT security landscape. The results of the tests are acted upon without any recrimination of the IT department. My experience is that most IT managers embrace the cyber security but feel frustrated as they know it is not simply an IT problem.

On the other hand, mainstream business managers think cyber security is an IT problem and the IT department will take care of it. So, they ask after all the technical tests are complete and the reports are presented why is cyber security is still an unsolved problem? So, who is to blame? Who is at fault? Everyone appears to be doing the best they can, and cyber security issues still hang around. This when everyone can get a little worried. IT have done their job and the management think they have done all they should.

We need to look at other areas of an organization to tackle the problem. There is a rising awareness that cyber is not just about IT but includes SCADA systems, however the means of tackling and managing these together is still in its infancy. Yes, there are standards and polices for SCADA but the integration of SCADA, IT and organizational responsibilities at board level is not there in most companies.

Deploying effective cyber security is an organizational issue. Its not about telling people they are wrong but about getting the right people in the room together at the same time. Ideally there should be HR for policies and procedures. IT and building control for technology and management for unique and standard business practices.

By doing this we have a handle on people, processes and technology and the right people in the room to deploy effective cyber security and not tell people they are wrong. In fact, it is only these people who can solve the cyber security problem in there organization, because they understanding it better than anyone else.