Cybersecurity is a hot, and much debated topic. This is not new news, as the integrity of software solutions, hardware and aircraft communications systems, particularly onboard small, private aircraft has been discussed by operators and hackers alike.

The U.S. and European aviation authorities, although in agreement about the need to improve standards, are experiencing a divided opinion about the methods to employ to combat potential attacks to cybersecurity.

Most of the discord seems to stem from the regulatory standards about the size of aircraft, and the scope of regulations to be applied. The U.S. FAA wants to impose standard for large aircraft, and fear that U.S. companies will find it difficult to sell flight management systems in Europe.

European officials from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) believe that all aircraft, regardless of size or operational scope, should be subject to the same cybersecurity regulations.

The FAA has been tasked with the creation of a panel to discuss and propose new regulatory standards by the middle of next year.

Cybersecurity is increasing in importance since the spate of infiltrations last year of digital aviation systems. Aviation cybersecurity solutions providers maintain that reliable security systems can protect vital infrastructure in addition to the provision of physical security. It seems that both are equally important as potential threats continue to increase around the world.