Aviation Festival Asia: “We are here to educate industry about the importance of cybersecurity,” Nickelby (Nick) Thane, Regional Information Security Manager at the Aviation ISAC

Saturday, March 9, 2024

At the recent Aviation Festival Asia 2024, we had the opportunity to sit down with Nickelby (Nick) Thane, Regional Information Security Manager at the Aviation ISAC. With a fresh perspective stemming from his diverse professional background, including stints in both the tech and medical industries before moving into aviation, Thane’s insights offer a unique window into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity within the aviation sector.

Nickelby (Nick) Thane, Regional Information Security Manager, Aviation ISAC ‘s transition into the aviation industry a little over a year ago has positioned him at the forefront of the fight against cyber threats in a sector that is, by nature, highly technical and globally interconnected. Despite his relatively short tenure in aviation, Thane has quickly grasped the unique challenges and critical importance of cybersecurity in ensuring safe skies.

In his role at A-ISAC, Thane emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in promoting cybersecurity awareness across the aviation industry. Nickelby (Nick) Thane, Regional Information Security Manager, Aviation ISAC highlighted a common misconception that often relegates cybersecurity to an afterthought within organizational priorities, a trend not exclusive to aviation. Thane is committed to altering this perception, ensuring that industry players recognize the integral role of cybersecurity in maintaining not just the safety of their operations but also the trust of their passengers.

Cybersecurity in aviation, as Nickelby (Nick) Thane pointed out, encompasses a vast ecosystem that includes everything from network security and product security to governance, risk and compliance, operational technology, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and fraud. The recent addition of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies into this mix has further expanded the scope of A-ISAC’s efforts.

Discussing the implications of AI and machine learning, Nickelby (Nick) Thane expressed both excitement and caution. These technologies, while offering unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and innovation, also introduce new challenges in data privacy, accuracy, and security. He gave the example of employees potentially inputting sensitive information into platforms like ChatGPT without proper security awareness, underscoring the need for ongoing education and vigilance.

The conversation then shifted towards the challenges posed by the increased reliance on AI across the industry. Nickelby (Nick) Thane noted that as AI becomes more integrated into the operations of airlines and airports, ensuring the security of these systems against evolving cyber threats has become more complex. The reliance on external AI systems necessitates a robust understanding of these technologies, their limitations, and the potential risks they introduce.

Looking ahead, Thane identified user awareness as a perennial challenge, noting that despite increased awareness around cybersecurity, there remains a significant gap between knowledge and practice among users within the industry. Simple mistakes, like the use of weak passwords, continue to pose significant security risks.

Moreover, Nickelby (Nick) Thane pointed out the growing threat of ransomware attacks and the implications of geopolitical tensions on cybersecurity in aviation. With attacks becoming more sophisticated and often state-sponsored, the industry faces an ongoing battle against a backdrop of international conflicts and tensions.

In conclusion, Nickelby (Nick) Thane ‘s insights from the Aviation Festival Asia 2024 shed light on the critical role of cybersecurity in the aviation industry. His emphasis on education, awareness, and the proactive management of emerging technologies like AI highlights the ongoing efforts required to safeguard the skies. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the work of professionals like Thane and organizations like A-ISAC will be paramount in ensuring the safety and security of global aviation.

The Aviation A-ISAC is a pivotal nexus within the aviation sector, bringing together airlines, airports, in-flight entertainment/satellite communications providers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and service providers from across the globe.

 As a central hub for aviation cybersecurity intelligence, A-ISAC plays a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of the global air transport network. Through real-time collaboration, its members and staff work collectively to mitigate cyber risks by sharing threat intelligence and implementing best practices. A-ISAC’s commitment to building a trusted community is fundamental to its mission, enabling effective daily cooperation among its members.

The organization actively seeks out emerging threats, supports the exchange of critical cybersecurity information, and advocates for the development of global standards and policies aimed at minimizing operational risks. Serving as the primary communication channel for cybersecurity in aviation, A-ISAC is dedicated to safeguarding the industry against evolving cyber threats, thereby ensuring a safer, more secure future for air travel.

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