The aviation industry took a major step forward in strengthening its defences against cyber threats with the successful completion of Cyber Skies 2025, an international cybersecurity exercise designed to enhance resilience in the sector. Organized by EUROCONTROL, the Digital Security Authority of Cyprus (DSA), the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), and the Department of Civil Aviation of Cyprus (DCA). The two-day tabletop exercise in Nicosia brought together a diverse group of aviation professionals, cybersecurity experts, and regulatory authorities from Cyprus, Israel, Malta, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria and Belgium.
A Joint Effort to Bolster Cybersecurity
The exercise took place at the ICT ACADEMY Commissioner of Communications, Nicosia. Cyber Skies 2025 provided a collaborative platform for airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, civil aviation authorities, and national cybersecurity agencies to test their ability to respond to cyber incidents. 65 participants engaged in a simulated cyberattack scenario targeting an aviation manufacturer’s supply chain, exploring how such an event could impact airlines, airports, and air traffic management systems.
Key Takeaways and Areas for Improvement
The exercise provided valuable insights into the industry's preparedness for cyber threats, revealing key areas for enhancement:
✔ Improved Collaboration: Establishing standardized information-sharing frameworks to ensure efficient coordination during cyber crises.
✔ Stronger Supply Chain Security: Encouraging manufacturers and suppliers to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to mitigate risks.
✔ Regulatory Adaptation: Enhancing cooperation with regulatory bodies to align cybersecurity strategies with evolving policies.
✔ Comprehensive Crisis Management: Integrating cyber threat intelligence into operational risk management to improve response capabilities.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Cyber Resilience
The success of Cyber Skies 2025 highlighted the aviation sector’s dedication to continuous improvement and proactive defence strategies. The insights gained will inform future cybersecurity initiatives, regulatory developments, and industry-wide capacity-building efforts.
The organizers and the participants reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration, enhancing resilience and ensuring a secure aviation environment that prioritizes passenger safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
