New cooperative agreement forged to provide cybersecurity in air cargo sector

Airports Council International (ACI) World and A-ISAC announced today they have signed an agreement that better enables ACI members to join the A-ISAC for access to airport-specific cyber threat intelligence and actionable data that will enhance their ability to build cyber resiliency.

Both organizations play an active role in supporting the global aviation network; by increasing collaboration, the groups have created a partnership that better protects global aviation stakeholders.

Airports Council International addresses key issues and concerns that, despite regional diversity, impact the united airport industry.

The Aviation ISAC is a global membership consortium that focuses on cybersecurity threats to airports, airlines, IFE/Satcom providers, original equipment manufacturers, supply chain manufacturers, and service providers.

“This agreement sets out ACI and A-ISAC’s shared objective to improve cyber resilience in every sector of the global air transport network. Airports are critical to a successful aviation infrastructure and building their cyber resiliency is a significant goal for 2020 and beyond,” Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World. “With the rapid increase in cyber attacks targeting airports, knowledge gained through the Aviation ISAC is a vital component of preparedness and incident response.”

In addition to overarching aviation industry cyberthreat intelligence, airports that join the Aviation ISAC will have access to a dedicated working group, a quarterly report that covers the latest airport-specific threats and trends, and other content that is solely focused on airport cybersecurity concerns.

The agreement is not limited to cyber threat intelligence sharing. The organizations will work together at industry events and activities with the overarching goal of ensuring a safer and more secure aviation infrastructure that recognizes airports as key stakeholders.

Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the AirForwarders Association (AfA), recently told LM in an interview that Cyber and ransomware attacks on freight transportation companies have increased tremendously over the past year spurning the AfA to provide members with the necessary resources to protect themselves. 

“In fact, our technology committee meets frequently to monitor threats and share vital information,” he said. 

Last month, the AfA opened a new technology resources page on its website to provide news and information about this continuing threat.