Shared System Outages
Many airlines and airports rely on the same passenger processing and IT suppliers. An attack on one provider can disrupt check in and boarding at airports far from the original incident.
Critical National Infrastructure
Cyber security for an industry that cannot stand still.
Airlines, airports and the suppliers behind them run on tightly connected systems where minutes of downtime ripple across continents. We help you protect passengers, operations and reputation.
TOP THREATS: AVIATION & AIRLINESSector focus
Shared System OutagesMany airlines and airports rely on the same passenger processing and IT suppliers.
Passenger Data and Loyalty FraudBooking records, passport details and frequent flyer accounts are valuable to criminals.
Booking Fraud and PhishingFake booking sites, cloned airline brands and phishing campaigns target travellers and staff alike.
Airport and Operational TechnologyBaggage handling, building management, airfield systems and connected ground equipment extend the attack surface beyond traditional IT.
The threat picture
Why attackers target aviation & airlines
Check in, baggage, departure control, crew scheduling and booking engines are shared across airlines, airports and ground handlers. When a common supplier is hit, queues form in terminals across many countries at once, as recent incidents affecting European airports have shown.
Cybergen helps aviation organisations understand where those dependencies sit, test the systems passengers and operations rely on, defend against booking and loyalty fraud, and meet the oversight expectations of the CAA and EASA.
Passenger Data and Loyalty Fraud
Booking records, passport details and frequent flyer accounts are valuable to criminals. Stolen loyalty points and account takeovers are sold and redeemed quickly.
Booking Fraud and Phishing
Fake booking sites, cloned airline brands and phishing campaigns target travellers and staff alike. They damage trust and generate costly chargebacks and complaints.
Airport and Operational Technology
Baggage handling, building management, airfield systems and connected ground equipment extend the attack surface beyond traditional IT. These systems need testing that respects safety and operations.
Supplier and Ground Handling Risk
Ground handlers, caterers, maintenance organisations and IT providers all connect to airline and airport systems. Oversight of their security is now a regulatory expectation, not a nice to have.
Regulation and standards
The rules you work under
The obligations that shape security in aviation & airlines, and how we help you meet them with evidence rather than paperwork.
CAA Cyber Security Oversight Process (CAP 1753)
In the UK, in scope airlines, airports and air navigation service providers complete a cyber self assessment against the CAF and have it verified through independent ASSURE audits.
Official guidanceEASA Part-IS (Regulation (EU) 2023/203)
Part-IS requires aviation organisations across EASA states to identify and manage information security risks that could affect aviation safety, and is now fully applicable.
Official guidanceNIS and NIS2
Air transport is an essential service under the UK NIS Regulations, with the CAA as competent authority, and a sector of high criticality under NIS2 in the EU.
Official guidancePCI DSS
Airlines and travel businesses that take card payments must protect cardholder data across booking channels, call centres and partner integrations.
Official guidanceIllustrative scenario
A Morning of Queues Across Europe
How a typical attack on aviation & airlines unfolds, step by step. Press play to watch it run.
- 1Supplier Compromise
An attacker breaches a provider of shared check in and boarding software used by several airports.
- 2Ransomware
Encryption takes the service offline early in the morning, just as the first wave of departures begins.
- 3Manual Fallback
Airlines revert to handwritten boarding passes and manual bag tags, and queues build in terminals in several countries.
- 4Knock-On Fraud
Criminals register lookalike domains promising rebooking help and compensation, phishing anxious passengers.
Where Cybergen breaks the chain
Supplier risk assessments highlight the single point of failure, continuity exercises make the manual fallback smooth, brand monitoring takes down fake domains quickly and MDR spots the intrusion attempts that follow.
Illustrative example, not a real incident.
How we help
Security that fits how you operate
Sector insights
Latest thinking for aviation & airlines
How Airlines Are Protecting Passenger Data from Cyber Threats
Learn how airlines protect passenger data from cyber threats with encryption, access controls and staff training. See what aviation cyber security needs now.
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The Role of Cyber security in Airport Infrastructure Management
Airport cyber security protects flight operations, baggage systems and passenger data. Learn the key threats, compliance duties and resilience strategies.
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How the Travel Industry Is Fighting Booking Fraud and Phishing
How to prevent booking fraud in travel: protect customer accounts, spot fake booking sites and stop phishing scams. Practical steps for travel businesses.
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Can you help us prepare for a CAA ASSURE audit?
Yes. We help you complete the CAF based self assessment, close gaps and gather the evidence an ASSURE auditor will expect to see.
What is EASA Part-IS?
Part-IS is the EU requirement for aviation organisations to manage information security risks that could affect safety. It covers organisations such as operators, airports and maintenance organisations in EASA states.
How do we protect passengers from booking fraud?
Combine brand and domain monitoring with fast takedown of fake sites, secure booking and loyalty platforms, and clear guidance to customers about how you will contact them.
Do you support airlines and airports outside the UK?
Yes. Cybergen works with organisations globally and aligns its support to CAA, EASA and other national aviation requirements as they apply to you.
Get in touch
Talk to us about aviation & airlines
Tell us about your organisation, the regulations you work under and what is worrying you most.
Prefer to talk? Call +44 (0) 1865 950 828
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