Air Traffic Controllers Need Dependable Equipment To Help Defend Against Hackers

21 Sep

Air Traffic Controllers Need Dependable Equipment To Help Defend Against Hackers

Air Traffic Controllers hold an enormously stressful position. They make sure airplanes can safely arrive at their destinations. Operating from large control towers, they sit surrounded by equipment that must work well in order for their job to succeed.

Over the last few years, there have been multiple instances of hackers attempting and in some cases, succeeding to breach air traffic controller’s computer networks.
Outcomes Of Security Breach
In 2009, a cyber-attack was responsible for shutting down traffic data systems at a US airport in Alaska. Since then there have been numerous other cyber-attacks that have preyed on vulnerabilities introduced my modernizations done to air-traffic controller networks around the world.
$20 Billion Upgrade
In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration has dedicated $20 billion to updating air-traffic controller infrastructure and networking over the next 10 years to combat future hacking attempts. This came after it was brought to light that hackers had accessed 40,000 FAA passwords as well as additional information needed to control the administrative network.
CASA and Hacking
CASA stands for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Researchers at CASA have revealed hackers could infiltrate Australians air-traffic controller networks, and even worse the attacks could be done inexpensively and would be highly successful in causing delays and chaos.
CesCom and Air Traffic Control Networking Configurations
CesCom is proud to have been contracted as the networking configurations expert for the 4 major centres working out of Melbourne and Brisbane. Adelaide, Cairns, Perth and Sydney have all been outfitted with their electronic hardware for interface function between the air traffic controller radars and air traffic controller consoles. These stations are maned 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Air Traffic Control 8 Channel RS422 Splitter
The RS422 Splitter is an air traffic controller ground-based controller. It directs aircrafts through designated airspace and on the ground safely.
Paired with the RS232 and the RS485 to send advisory services to aircraft in non-controlled areas. Here are two of our 8 Channel Splitters, trusted by CASA.
CE-0027A
An 8 channel splitter unit. Provides data and clock outputs from an RS232 or RS422 processed radar data.
CE-0045A
An 8 channel splitter unit. 8 independent and isolated channels of dual RS422 data are provided. RS422 DTE input provides clock signal outputs. Front panel indicators allow RS422 output pins to be monitored so short lines can be detected immediately.
The risk of cyberattacks and hackers targeting air traffic controllers is the unfortunate reality we live in. Let us help your air traffic controller centre to install the safest networking setups possible. Click here to visit CesCom now.

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