Ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining high-security standards has become crucial in the aviation industry. According to a report, the aviation industry scores a “B” on average. While this isn’t a failing grade, organizations with a B rating are 2.9x more likely to be victims of data breaches than those with an A rating^[1]. Further, with the increasing integration of digital technologies in airports and airlines, managing the vast array of devices and protecting sensitive data has become more complex.

Unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions are designed to address such compliance and security-related challenges by providing a centralized approach to managing and securing a wide range of devices and data.  

This blog highlights the compliance and security challenges in the aviation industry and the key features offered by Scalefusion to help airlines maintain security and compliance.

Compliance and Security Challenges in Aviation

1. Regulatory Compliance 

The aviation industry operates under a stringent regulatory framework to ensure safety, security, and efficiency. For instance, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set various international standards and regulations for security compliance in the aviation industry. 

For aviation data security, it mandates periodic offline secure backup and encryption of sensitive data to maintain information availability and integrity. Similarly, the physical security controls include, defining access management and control policies, background checks of personnel with administrative rights on databases, or with access to sensitive data. 

Similarly, for information, communication, and technology ICAO mandates access control policies and application of least privilege principles, software/hardware firewalls and network security, cryptography, organizational password policies, end-point protection, network monitoring and detection of anomalies, network separation, and device management. 

Moreover, due to the global nature of the aviation industry, compliance with GDPR is essential for airlines operating within or serving the European Union. GDPR imposes strict data privacy and protection rules, requiring airlines to implement robust data security practices. The challenge here is ensuring passenger data is collected, securely stored, and shared within a controlled environment and only with authorized airline personnel. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, up to 4% of the airline’s annual global turnover or €20 million, whichever is higher.^[2]

2. Monitoring Airport Physical Infrastructure

Airports rely on a complex network of sensors and servers to ensure the smooth operation of various systems, from baggage handling and advertisement screens at airports to inflight cockpit devices and seatback entertainment screens. The challenge lies in continuously monitoring and maintaining this infrastructure to prevent disruptions and malicious attacks. Aviation organizations can leverage a robust endpoint management solution to manage and protect all endpoints from vulnerability threats. 

3. Authorized Access 

Ensuring that only authorized personnel access sensitive data is critical for maintaining data security and integrity. This involves implementing robust identity and access management (IAM) solutions to control who can access what information and when. The aviation industry has a diverse workforce, which includes pilots, ground staff, maintenance crews, and administrative personnel, managing each of their access rights is a tedious task for IT admins. A data breach in an airline company or an airport can have catastrophic consequences, leading to unauthorized access to flight control systems or passenger data. 

4. Securing Large Volumes of Customer-sensitive Data

The aviation industry manages vast amounts of sensitive customer data, including personal identification details, travel itineraries, and payment information. Protecting this data from breaches is crucial. Recent incidents highlight the urgency, a Hong Kong-based airline experienced a breach affecting 9.4 million passenger records, while a UK-based airline lost 9 million customer records to hackers^[3]. 

Similarly, an Indian airline suffered a breach that exposed sensitive data, including credit card information and frequent flyer details, of approximately 4.5 million customers^[4]. It is a crucial challenge to safeguard data during transmission and storage and ensure compliance with various data protection laws. 

Key Features of UEM for Adhering to Compliance and Upkeeping Security in the Aviation Industry

Unified endpoint management (UEM) solution transforms the above complexities into streamlined and secure operations. It serves as a centralized and intuitive solution to address the compliance and security challenges faced by airports. 

1. Centralized Management 

UEM solution extends centralized control through a unified dashboard or console. Devices in an airport environment operate 24/7, requiring constant monitoring from IT. A unified management console provides this visibility, helping minimize any oversight. By enabling IT admins to respond promptly to routine operations and any issues that arise UEM offers real-time visibility into the entire device ecosystem, providing instant insights into each device’s status, health, and performance.

2. Data Encryption

Robust data encryption is essential for protecting the confidentiality and integrity of passenger data, a critical requirement under GDPR. UEM solutions enforce strong passcode policies and ensure sensitive data stored on devices is encrypted, safeguarding it from unauthorized access. This feature addresses security concerns by preventing data breaches and ensuring compliance with ICAO data protection regulations.

3. Geofencing & Location Tracking

Geofencing and location tracking capabilities enhance the management and control of device whereabouts, ensuring streamlined operations and staff safety. For example, geofencing can restrict the ground staff’s access to no-entry areas such as runways. 

IT admins can monitor if airport personnel aren’t at their designated place and can quickly locate them with location tracking. while location tracking can quickly locate personnel. These features are important for streamlined operations and aviation staff safety.

4. OS Updates and Software Deployments

UEM allows admins to execute updates, patches, and software deployments seamlessly across all devices from a centralized dashboard. Regular updates ensure that devices are equipped with the latest features and security protocols, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities that could lead to non-compliance. This feature helps maintain the integrity and security of the device ecosystem, ensuring continuous compliance with regulatory standards.

5. Access Controls

Setting and managing access controls ensures that only authorized personnel can access specific device features or functionalities. UEM solutions for aviation offer a range of access control features, such as role-based access control, which provides user access based on their role in the organization. For instance, enforcing access controls will restrict the access of ground staff to sensitive files with customer information. These controls are essential for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

6. Policy Enforcement

Consistent policy enforcement across all devices is critical for airport device management. A UEM solution allows administrators to set and enforce policies related to security, usage, and configurations, fostering a standardized and secure operational environment. 

Policies can vary based on staff roles, and UEM enables admins to create device and user groups to apply these policies seamlessly. Each airport is unique, and UEM offers customizable policies that administrators can tailor to the specific needs and nuances of their operational environment, ensuring UEM aligns seamlessly with the airport’s workflow.

7. Remote Lock and Wipe 

If a device gets lost or stolen, with remote wipe and lock feature, IT admins can erase all the sensitive data from the device. This feature prevents unauthorized access to confidential information, mitigating the risk of data breaches. UEM solutions help airports comply with data protection regulations and maintain a strong security posture by ensuring consistent data security.  

8. Kiosk Mode

Kiosk mode restricts devices to specific applications and functionalities, ensuring that they are used only for their intended purposes. This feature is particularly useful in securing devices used by passengers, such as self-service kiosks and seatback entertainment systems. It helps prevent unauthorized access and usage, thereby maintaining a secure and controlled environment. 

9. Broadcast Messages

Broadcast messages enable instant communication with all devices, which is essential during emergencies or critical updates. For instance, in the event of a security threat, IT teams at airports can quickly send out alerts and instructions to all managed devices, ensuring a coordinated and swift response. 

Ensure Compliance and Security in Aviation with UEM 

Aviation is a rapidly evolving and highly competitive industry, where operational excellence is necessary for maintaining compliance and security. Unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions like Scalefusion UEM offer various data and device security features, enabling airline IT professionals to manage diverse device ecosystems and safeguard sensitive information. 

As airports and airlines adopt digital transformation initiatives, the role of UEM becomes critical. Moreover, Scalefusion offers comprehensive capabilities that address aviation challenges – on the ground and in flight. Scalefusion enhances operational efficiency among the airline staff and delivers a safer, more connected travel experience for passengers while ensuring aviation safety and compliance and maintaining security. 

Contact our experts to schedule a demo and experience how Scalefusion UEM maintains compliance and security. Get started by signing up for a 14-day free trial today!

References 

1. Air Traffic Management

2. Iubenda

3. & 4.  SISA