Security in the sky: Achieve new heights with InfoSec management

In today’s world, keeping your confidential information safe by strengthening your information security management capabilities is crucial, especially in the aerospace and defense sector. Cyberattacks in aviation have surged dramatically, with EUROCONTROL reporting a 530 percent increase in cyber incidents between 2019 and 2020 and doubling from 2020 to 2021. These threats include data breaches, ransomware attacks, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

Implementing standards like the AS9100 series and an information security management system (ISMS) like ISO/IEC 27001 can protect your information assets, mitigate risks, and build trust by embedding rigorous information security practices. To improve an organization’s cybersecurity position, aerospace industry clients should consider the cybersecurity maturity model certification (CMMC) and ISO/IEC 27001. Working together, these standards can allow imperative protection for your clients.

AS Series and an ISO 27001

Combining AS9100 series standards with this ISMS can offer several benefits for aerospace companies. This series focuses on quality management systems tailored to the aerospace industry, promoting that rigorous quality and safety requirements are met. On the other hand, ISO 27001 focuses on information security management, helping safeguard sensitive data and mitigate risks related to cybersecurity threats.

By using both standards, aerospace companies can achieve a robust integrated management system that efficiently addresses quality, safety, and information security aspects. This integration enhances operational effectiveness, builds customer trust, and shows a commitment to meeting international and industry-specific standards.

Additionally, the AS9100 series streamlines processes, reduces redundancies, and nurtures a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. By implementing, certifying, and maintaining the AS9100 series, many benefits can support your customers on their journey.

Benefits of certification to the AS9100 series of standards

• Facilitate continual improvement.

• Increase market opportunities.

• Demonstrate traceability throughout the supply chain.

• Increase efficiency to save time, money, and resources.

• Provide compliance with a system supported by regulatory authorities.

• Motivate, engage, and involve staff.

• Help you trade, as it’s often a requirement of the aerospace industry.

Along with the benefits of the AS9100 series, there are several crucial benefits for aerospace clients to consider when using an ISMS. It can help organizations across the industry sector of any size manage information and cybersecurity risks.

Benefits of ISO/IEC 27001

• Resilience to cyberattacks

• Preparedness for new threats

• Data integrity, confidentiality, and availability

• Security across all supports

• Organization-wide protection

• Cost savings 

CMMC and ISO/IEC 27001

CMMC was developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to fortify the cybersecurity practices of companies within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It includes five levels. These levels provide a step-by-step framework for organizations to assess, implement, and improve cybersecurity procedures.

This ISMS offers a structured approach to managing sensitive company information through a robust security management framework. Organizations that achieve this certification demonstrate the capability to effectively secure information resources, earning the trust of clients and stakeholders.

ISO/IEC 27001 and CMMC go hand in hand. If your organization already has a solid ISMS, you're on your way to meeting CMMC requirements also. Implementing these standards helps you aim for ISO 27001 certification and aligns perfectly with CMMC's risk management approach.

Industry stakeholders, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airport operators, air traffic control, and border authorities should act to counter information security risks and build safety, resilience, and trust. They must safeguard people, protect physical infrastructure, promote regulatory compliance, and build brand reputation.

The aerospace industry requires high quality at every stage and is supported by strict safety and reliability standards. BSI provides solutions to help aerospace clients improve their business, enhance performance, manage risk, and achieve sustainable growth. Contact us now to allow us to support your sustainable flight.