Cybersecurity specialist Cyviation is targeting “the growing threat” of cybercrime against private jets in 2024 with the help of a new US headquarters in New York City.
Lack of awareness is preventing business aviation companies from deploying effective cyberprotection methods, according to Aviel Tenenbaum, CEO, Cyviation. “I do not think that US or the aviation industry in general is sufficiently aware of the threat,” Tenenbaum told CJI. “I meet decision-makers from different parts of the industry, operators, manufacturers, service providers and others. Most acknowledge that something must be done to further address cybersecurity on aircraft.”
Such concerns prompt investment in protective measures but seldom is that directed towards aircraft. “They invest on cybersecurity for the data, IT and general facilities, but only few have so far taken the step forward to actually develop such needed resilience for the fleet and aircraft,” said Tenenbaum. “This is where we can help operators embark on a cybersecurity journey with the focus on aircraft and fleet.”
Cyviation believes its US HQ, combined with a $4m capital raise last autumn, will help more firms begin that journey. (The funding, revealed in October 2023, is part of a larger round, which is expected to enter Series A by the first half of this year). “The opening of our US presence is to be closer to the potential target operators – both from commercial airlines as well as business jets,” Tenenbaum told us.
Leading the new US office is Arik Arad, chairman, Cyviation. Arad is also a partner at Stonecourt Capital and was previously an operating partner at Pegasus Capital Advisors. “In a time marked by unprecedented international risks and escalating cyber threats, our dedication lies in furnishing the aviation industry with unmatched cybersecurity safeguards, ultimately heightening safety standards,” said Arad.
Cyviation provides aircraft cyberevent management and intrusion detection for both private jets and commercial aircraft. It aims to provide multiple layers of resilience ranging from fleet assessment and aircrew training to aviation security SIEM. This system combines both security information management (SIM) and security event management (SEM) into one security management system.
Tenenbaum told us a three-point plan would help aviation businesses strengthen their cybersecurity protection. These include: appointing a cybersecurity owner for fleet and aircraft and assessing assets for cyber vulnerability and starting the deployment of mitigation recommendations. Companies should also build stronger awareness and set a process to follow when a cyberattack is suspected, he told CJI.
Last autumn, the company revealed it had reached the commercial stage of its SkyRay cyber protection solution and is partnering with a range of companies. These include: OEMs, commercial airlines and regulatory agencies. One of the companies helping the adoption of the SkyRay solution is Polaris Aviation Solutions, the aircraft management, charter and project management company.
Meanwhile, improving cybersecurity for business aviation companies features in our CJI London 2024 conference, which opens in the capital on February 5th. Read the agenda here.
Cyviation’s three steps to boost cybersecurity
- Appoint cybersecurity owner for fleet and aircraft
- Assess assets for cyber vulnerability and deploy mitigation recommendations
- Build stronger awareness and set a process to follow when a cyber-attack is suspected.
