Aviation Security

1. Enhancing System Security at
Acme Flight Solutions
Ralph

2. Executive Summary
Purpose: This report outlines a System Security Plan to protect Acme Flight Solutions, a
regional airline, from cyberattacks.
Key Findings: The company faces various cyber threats, including targeted attacks,
ransomware, and data breaches. Internal threats include accidental data exposure,
malicious insider activity, and weak security practices.
Conclusions: Implementing robust password policies, encryption, access controls, and a
data resiliency plan will significantly enhance security.
Recommendations: Acme should prioritize user education, maintain a layered security
approach, and conduct regular security audits.

3. Background
Cybersecurity is critical for airlines due to their reliance on digital systems
for flight operations, passenger data, and aircraft maintenance.
key terms: System Security Plan: A roadmap to safeguard IT systems and
data from unauthorized access, disruption, or destruction.
The situation: Acme Flight Solutions' interconnected systems expose them
to potential cyberattacks, jeopardizing flight safety, data privacy, and
customer trust.

4. Understanding Cyber Threats
External Threats:
Targeted Attacks: Sophisticated attacks launched by malicious actors to steal data, disrupt operations, or damage reputation (e.g.,
targeting common flight booking software).
Ransomware: Malware that encrypts critical systems, demanding a ransom fee for decryption, potentially causing delays,
cancellations, and financial losses.
Data Breaches: Scenarios where hackers steal valuable information like passenger records, financial data, or aircraft maintenance
reports, leading to financial losses and reputational damage.
Internal Threats: (List with brief explanations)
Accidental Data Exposure: Inadvertent actions by employees, such as mishandling emails, falling prey to phishing attacks, or
losing unencrypted devices.
Malicious Insider Activity: Disgruntled or compromised employees who intentionally sabotage systems, steal intellectual property,
or introduce malware.
Weak Security Practices: Lack of security awareness, poor password hygiene, and outdated software across the organization.

5. Recommendations
● Prioritize User Education: Train employees on cybersecurity best practices to
identify and avoid phishing attacks, social engineering, and other threats.
● Maintain a Layered Security Approach: Combine various security controls like
strong passwords, encryption, access control, firewalls, and network
segmentation for comprehensive defense.
● Conduct Regular Security Audits: Proactively identify vulnerabilities in systems
and processes through frequent security audits and penetration testing.
● Implement Security Awareness Programs: Foster a culture of cybersecurity
within the organization by promoting awareness programs and encouraging
responsible security practices.
● Stay Updated on Emerging Threats: Continuously monitor the evolving
cybersecurity landscape and update security measures to address new
threats.

6. Conclusions
Implementing Robust Security Measures: Enacting the proposed password
policies, encryption, access controls, and data resiliency plan will significantly
enhance Acme's security posture.
Mitigating Cyber Risks: By addressing these vulnerabilities, Acme can
significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks, protecting its critical data, flight
operations, and customer trust.
Building a Secure Future: A strong System Security Plan is an ongoing process.
Continuous monitoring, user education, and adaptation are essential to
maintaining a secure environment for Acme Flight Solutions.