Cybersecurity for critical infrastructure continues to be of concern, including the transportation sector. A new study by ABI Research concludes that although the transportation sector continues to increase spending on cybersecurity year over year, the rapid digitization of airports, aircraft, trains, ships, and cars puts this sector at risk.

The study mentions that poor cybersecurity is being applied to operational and control systems in the transportation sector, including engine and flight control systems, electronic positioning systems, logistical systems, communications systems, and navigational systems, and because many of them use off-the-shelf software and connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or cellular networks, they are susceptible to hacking and intrusion.

Satellite systems, used for navigation and communication for airlines and the maritime industry are highly vulnerable according to the study. The use of Wi-Fi, RFID and Bluetooth  for end users and the fact that they are connected to other systems in the aircraft or ship increase the risk for an insecure entry point for a malicious actor.

With the increased use of satellites in the transportation sector, including aviation, maritime and vehicles, and soon connecting to smart cities, cybersecurity for satellite operators is key for the larger transportation sector.

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