New Cyber Defense Center at Israel’s International Airport

New Cyber Defense Center at Israel’s International Airport

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The Israel Airports Authority has recently established a special Cyber defense center in Ben-Gurion international airport.

The decision to establish the dedicated center was made after the number of Cyber attacks on the airport systems has increased dramatically.

Sources in the airport said that 3 million Cyber attacks a day are detected by the center. Some are general spam messages that are sent to many other computer systems around the world, but 250 of the attacks are aimed directly at the airport’s systems, like luggage handling, runway lighting and communication systems that are used by the airport’s traffic control.

The sources said that these systems are isolated and if one computer has been infected it is immediately disconnected from the airport’s system.

The center is working in full cooperation with Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) that handles the Cyber protection at the national level.

Israeli sources said on Aug. 7 that there are indications that Cyber attacks on civil aviation systems will increase in the coming year and will become a major threat.

Airports around the world have been coping with the growing threat of cyber attacks that might hamper some of their critical systems. The emergence of a hyper-connected model – where passengers in airports want fast internet and digital engagement with airlines and retailers – is increasing the opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit. In Australia, a recent data hack at a company which issues aviation industry security identity cards is being investigated by the Federal Police.  The breach, which potentially exposed personal details of those applying for a security check, occurred at the website of Aviation ID Australia, according to businessinsider.com.au.