Soaring Securely: Key Principles of IoT Cybersecurity in the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing this sector, promising enhanced efficiency, improved safety, and real-time data for better decision-making.  However, with this interconnectedness comes a new set of challenges – securing the ever-expanding network of devices and data within the aerospace IoT ecosystem.

In this blog post, Telemetry team dives into the key principles of IoT cybersecurity for the aerospace industry, outlining crucial steps to ensure a safe and secure flight path towards an IoT-powered future.

The Expanding Landscape of Aerospace IoT

Imagine a scenario where aircraft communicate with ground control in real-time, engines adjust performance based on sensor data, and maintenance is predicted before failures occur. This is the promise of aerospace IoT, where a multitude of sensors, actuators, and connected devices collect and exchange data, transforming operations across the entire aviation value chain.

For example,

  • sensors embedded throughout an aircraft (i.e. sensor-laden airplanes) can continuously monitor engine performance, vibration levels, and other critical parameters. This data is transmitted wirelessly and analyzed using machine learning algorithms, allowing the early on identification of potential issues, and the corresponding predictive maintenance planning, reducing downtime and unexpected repairs.
  • IoT-powered infrastructure streamlines passenger flow, optimizes baggage handling, and enhances security measures.
    • IoT sensors tracking the location and status of ground support equipment, like baggage carts and tugs, lead to enhanced operational efficiency. This real-time data allows for better optimization of resources and improves turnaround times for aircraft on the ground.
    • environmental sensors can monitor factors like temperature and humidity within hangars and warehouses, optimizing storage conditions for parts and equipment.
    • IoT tags on aircraft parts and tools can track their location in real-time, minimizing the risk of loss or misplacement during maintenance or storage. This improves inventory management and streamlines logistical processes.
    • Drones (i.e. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAVs) equipped with sensors can be used for aerial inspections, search and rescue operations, and package delivery.
  • sensor data from various aircraft systems can be used to timely identify potential in-flight issues and optimize flight paths for better fuel efficiency, leading to improved in-flight safety and performance. Also, real-time communication between aircraft and ground control systems allows for faster response times in case of emergencies. In respect, ground-based IoT sensors can monitor weather conditions and airspace congestion. Feeding this data into air traffic management systems allows for dynamic route optimization, reducing delays and improving overall airspace efficiency..
  • cabin sensors can monitor temperature, pressure, and air quality, ensuring passenger comfort throughout the flight. Moreover, passengers can connect to in-flight entertainment systems and control features like lighting and temperature through their personal devices.

The Cybersecurity Imperative

While the potential benefits of aerospace IoT are undeniable, the interconnected nature of these systems introduces new vulnerabilities. Hackers targeting this critical infrastructure could disrupt operations, manipulate data, or even gain control of systems, putting lives at risk.

Cybersecurity is paramount in aerospace IoT due to the increased attack surface. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new attack methods. The aerospace industry needs to stay vigilant and adapt its security measures accordingly.

First and foremost, the safety concerns; aircraft rely on complex computer systems for navigation, flight control, and communication. Tampering with aircraft systems or compromising flight data could have catastrophic consequences. Moreover, cyberattacks can disrupt critical operations, leading to delays, cancellations, and revenue loss for airlines and other aerospace companies.

Nevertheless, strict security measures can impact passenger experience and operational efficiency. Finding the right balance is crucial.

Secondly, but equally important, comes the data privacy aspect. Aerospace companies handle a wealth of sensitive data, including intellectual property, flight operations, and maintenance records, flight plans, and passenger information. Data breaches can be costly and damage public trust.

Guiding Principles for Secure Aerospace IoT

To navigate the complexities of securing an aerospace IoT environment, here are some key principles to consider:

  • Security should be embedded throughout the entire lifecycle of an IoT device (secure by design), from design and development to deployment and maintenance. This includes secure coding practices, robust authentication mechanisms, and encryption of sensitive data.
    • Ensure that your IoT deployments comply with all relevant data privacy and security regulations.
  • Implement a zero-trust approach where every device and user needs to be continuously authenticated and authorized before accessing resources.
    • The aerospace industry often uses legacy systems that weren’t designed with cybersecurity in mind. Upgrading these systems can be expensive and time-consuming, but it’s crucial to address their vulnerabilities.
  • Segment the IoT network, separating critical systems from less sensitive ones. This minimizes the potential damage if a breach occurs in one segment.
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats and prioritize security measures based on the severity of the risks.
    • Regularly update firmware and software on all connected devices to address known vulnerabilities (patch management). Implement automated patching solutions whenever possible.
    • Proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in the entire IoT ecosystem. Conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
  • Have a well-defined incident response plan in place to quickly detect, contain, and remediate security incidents. This should include clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders.
  • The aerospace industry relies on a complex network of suppliers. A breach in a single supplier’s system can create a backdoor for attackers to infiltrate the entire network. Ensure the security of the entire supply chain, from chip manufacturers to device vendors. Partner with reputable vendors who prioritize secure development practices.
  • Educate employees and stakeholders about cybersecurity best practices, including how to identify phishing attempts and report suspicious activity.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Effort

Cyber threats transcend national borders, hence, the industry needs to foster international cooperation to share threat intelligence and develop coordinated responses to cyberattacks. Securing the aerospace IoT landscape requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders – aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airport operators, technology providers, and regulatory bodies.

Additionally, here are some areas for further exploration:

  • The role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in threat detection and anomaly identification within aerospace IoT systems.
  • The development of industry-specific standards and best practices for securing aerospace IoT deployments.
  • The importance of international collaboration to address cybersecurity threats across global aviation networks.

By embracing these principles and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and of continuous innovation, the aerospace industry can unlock the full potential of IoT while safeguarding the skies for passengers, crew, and everyone on the ground.

European Cyber Security Community Initiative (ECSCI)

The European Cyber Security Community Initiative (ECSCI) brings together EU-funded cybersecurity research and innovation projects to foster cross-sector collaboration and knowledge exchange. Its aim is to align technical and policy efforts across key areas such as AI, IoT, 5G, and cloud security. ECSCI organizes joint dissemination activities, public workshops, and strategic dialogue to amplify the impact of individual projects and build a more integrated European cybersecurity landscape.

Supported by the European Commission, ECSCI contributes to shaping a shared vision for cybersecurity in Europe by reinforcing connections between research, industry, and public stakeholders.

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European Cluster for Cybersecurity Certification

The European Cluster for Cybersecurity Certification is a collaborative initiative aimed at supporting the development and adoption of a unified cybersecurity certification framework across the European Union. Bringing together key stakeholders from industry, research, and national authorities, the cluster facilitates coordination, knowledge exchange, and alignment with the EU Cybersecurity Act.

Its mission is to contribute to a harmonized approach to certification that fosters trust, transparency, and cross-border acceptance of cybersecurity solutions. The cluster also works to build a strong stakeholder community that can inform and support the work of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the future European cybersecurity certification schemes.

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CertifAI

CertifAI is an EU-funded project aimed at enabling organizations to achieve and maintain compliance with key cybersecurity standards and regulations, such as IEC 62443 and the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), across the entire product development lifecycle. Rather than treating compliance as a one-time activity or post-development task, CertifAI integrates compliance checks and evidence collection as continuous, embedded practices within daily development and operational workflows.

The CertifAI framework provides structured, practical guidance for planning, executing, and monitoring compliance assessments. It supports organizations in conducting gap analyses, building compliance roadmaps, collecting evidence, and preparing for formal certification. The methodology leverages best practices from established cybersecurity frameworks and aligns with Agile and DevSecOps principles, enabling continuous and iterative compliance checks as products evolve.

A central feature of CertifAI is the use of automation and AI-driven tools—such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems and Explainable AI—to support the interpretation of complex requirements, detect non-conformities, and generate Security Assurance Cases (SAC) with traceable evidence. The approach is organized into five main phases: preparation and planning, evidence collection and mapping, assessment execution, reporting, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

CertifAI’s methodology is designed to be rigorous yet adaptable, offering organizations a repeatable process to proactively identify, address, and document compliance gaps. This supports organizations not only in meeting certification requirements, but also in embedding a culture of security and compliance into daily practice.

Ultimately, CertifAI’s goal is to make compliance and security assurance continuous, transparent, and integrated, helping organizations efficiently prepare for certification while strengthening their overall cybersecurity posture.

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DOSS

The Horizon Europe DOSS – Design and Operation of Secure Supply Chain – project aims to improve the security and reliability of IoT operations by introducing an integrated monitoring and validation framework to IoT Supply Chains.

DOSS elaborates a “Supply Trust Chain” by integrating key stages of the IoT supply chain into a digital communication loop to facilitate security-related information exchange. The technology includes security verification of all hardware and software components of the modelled architecture. A new “Device Security Passport” contains security-relevant information for hardware devices and their components. 3rd party software, open-source applications, as well as in-house developments are tested and assessed. The centrepiece of the proposed solution is a flexibly configurable Digital Cybersecurity Twin, able to simulate diverse IoT architectures. It employs AI for modelling complex attack scenarios, discovering attack surfaces, and elaborating the necessary protective measures. The digital twin provides input for a configurable, automated Architecture Security Validator module which assesses and provides pre-certification for the modelled IoT architecture with respect of relevant, selectable security standards and KPIs. To also ensure adequate coverage for the back end of the supply chain the operation of the architecture is also be protected by secure device onboarding, diverse security and monitoring technologies and a feedback loop to the digital twin and actors of the supply chain, sharing security-relevant information.

The procedures and technology will be validated in three IoT domains: automotive, energy and smart home.

The 12-member strong DOSS consortium comprises all stakeholders of the IoT ecosystem: service operators, OEMs, technology providers, developers, security experts, as well as research and academic partners.

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EMERALD: Evidence Management for Continuous Compliance as a Service in the Cloud

The EMERALD project aims to revolutionize the certification of cloud-based services in Europe by addressing key challenges such as market fragmentation, lack of cloud-specific certifications, and the increasing complexity introduced by AI technologies. At the heart of EMERALD lies the concept of Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS) — an agile and scalable approach aimed at enabling continuous certification processes in alignment with harmonized European cybersecurity schemes, such as the EU Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS).

By focusing on evidence management and leveraging results from the H2020 MEDINA project, EMERALD will build on existing technological readiness (starting at TRL 5) and push forward to TRL 7. The project’s core innovation is the development of tools that enable lean re-certification, helping service providers, customers, and auditors to maintain compliance across dynamic and heterogeneous environments —including Cloud, Edge, and IoT infrastructures.

EMERALD directly addresses the critical gap in achieving the ‘high’ assurance level of EUCS by offering a technical pathway based on automation, traceability, and interoperability. This is especially relevant in light of the emerging need for continuous and AI-integrated certification processes, as AI becomes increasingly embedded in cloud services.

The project also fosters strategic alignment with European initiatives on digital sovereignty, supporting transparency and trust in digital services. By doing so, EMERALD promotes the adoption of secure cloud services across both large enterprises and SMEs, ensuring that security certification becomes a practical enabler rather than a barrier.

Ultimately, EMERALD’s vision is to provide a robust, flexible, and forward-looking certification ecosystem, paving the way for more resilient, trustworthy, and user-centric digital infrastructures in Europe.

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SEC4AI4SEC

Sec4AI4Sec is a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101120393.

This project aims to create a range of cutting-edge technologies, open-source tools, and new methodologies for designing and certifying secure AI-enhanced systems and AI-enhanced systems for security. Additionally, it will provide reference benchmarks that can be utilized to standardize the evaluation of research outcomes within the secure software research community.

The project is divided into two main phases, each with its own name.

·       AI4Sec – stands for using artificial intelligence in security. Democratize security expertise with an AI-enhanced system that reduces development costs and improves software quality. This part of the project improves via AIs the secure coding and testing.

·       Sec4AI –  involves AI-enhanced systems. These systems also have risks that make them vulnerable to new security threats unique to AI-based software, especially when fairness and explainability are essential.

The project considers the economic and technological impacts of combining AI and security.

The economic phase of the project focuses on leveraging AI to drive growth, productivity, and competitiveness across industries. It includes developing new business models, identifying new market opportunities, and driving innovation across various sectors. 

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