CYBER SECURITY IN EUROPEAN CIVIL AVIATION INDUSTRY.

The increasingly emphasized need for achieving an optimal level of security within the cyber environment of "insecurity" and the growing dependence on information technology have created real conditions for developing wide range of new risks, threats and dangers, including the cyber terrorism. Keeping in mind the complexity of cyberspace and the reality that cyber-attacks are inevitable, developing a strong and effective security policy is more and more directed in the area of civil aviation as one of the most complex systems, specifically integrated in the global information and communication technology. Aviation, as the most dynamic and fastest growing industry and at the same time the safest way of transport, is promoting a universal standardized level of safety and security, supported by relevant legislation, advanced systems and technologies and appropriate educational and training programs. The aviation as a global transport system, in terms of functional layout, can be provisionally subdivided into three subsystems: airports, airlines and air traffic management. Each of them consists of several functional elements: system user, infrastructure, controls, procedures, technologies, technical and human resources, etc., and all of them are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Because of this, the aim of this paper is to analyze the ongoing practices and activities that play significant role for the development of cyber security within the civil aviation sector all over the world, with an accent to the European air transportation system. The paper is describing the key factors and specific security activities and initiatives within ICAO, IATA, IFALPA, ECAC, EASA, and specially EUROCONTROL, providing accurate information of what is being and must be done on international and national level about this issue. At the same time, the paper should raise the common awareness about the significance of the need to implement contemporary aids, new technologies and advanced trainings in aim to improve the civil aviation safety and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]