Page 11 - AAA MAY - JUNE 2013 Online Magazine

OPINION

yOu SAy I SAy

Air traffic management (ATM) is one of the most hotly
debated disciplines in aviation right now. Open Skies,
Unified Approaches and Automated Flight Management
Systems are in turmoil as various players all pitch
their idea as the most effective. But are they safe? Any
automated system created by humans can be cracked
by humans – so are we opening the door to cyber-
terrorism as ATM becomes ever more programmable?

“There is a fundamental weakness in the “not connected to
the Internet” argument. When most managers say there is no
connection to the Internet, they are unaware of maintenance
connections. There are almost always semi-direct
connections … that can be exploited. Worms and attackers
can find them easily.”

– Alan Paller, director of research, SANS Institute (AFP)

“Our system runs on rails. And we have multiple layers of
contingency procedures and fall-back systems that can cut in
when required to minimise risk of failure.”

– Carl Modder, senior air traffic controller, Chek Lap Kok airport, HK (AFP)

“In particular, cyber attack against a variety of high-profile
targets, including both aircraft and aviation infrastructure, was
identified as a very real threat although its implications are
not yet fully known or understood. CANSO has to be ready to
influence the policy recommendations, based on the best practice
experiences of its member ANSPs.”

– Eugene Hoeven, director, ICAO Affairs

“It is a closed system. There is no connection between our
systems and the Internet nor is there USB access.”

– Ir Leung Ping-keung, senior systems engineer, Chek Lap Kok airport, HK (AFP)

What’s your view? Log on to www.asianairlines-airports.com and let us know what you think.