Summary FAA introduces new cybersecurity regulations for manufacturers to address increasing cyber threats and minimize certification costs. Cybersecurity incidents in aviation grew by 530% between 2019 and 2020, prompting the need for enhanced protection. Proposed regulations require identifying risks, providing mitigation, and ensuring pilot instructions for safe operations after cyber incidents.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled its proposals for new regulations on the cybersecurity of airplanes, engines, and propellers. The move comes as increasing dependency on both internal and external data networks could increase the risk of cyber threats. Currently, the FAA issues temporary cybersecurity regulations on a case-by-case basis, with the number of cases and, therefore, the cost of certification increasing considerably.
In a bid to reduce the cost of certification, the FAA intends to standardize its rules. As reported by The Record , the acting Executive Director of the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service, Wesley Mooty, explained why the proposals have become necessary, saying, “These disconnects increase the certification complexity, cost, and time for both the applicant and regulator. This proposed rulemaking package codifies the substantive requirements of frequently-issued cybersecurity special conditions to address these issues.
” Increase in cybersecurity incidents The latest figures from the European Air Traffic Management Computer Emerge.
