Aviation cyber security: legal aspects of cyber threats

The aim of this paper is show how existing legal frameworks applied to civil aviation might be relevant in the context of cyberspace. Security threats to civil aviation operations have become more sophisticated and challenging to deal with. One that is emerging, and arguably even more complicated and sophisticated to manage, is the cyber-attack. This article is interdisciplinary as it briefly defines cyber-attack and describes the nature of the threat it poses to aviation and society generally, but also focuses on the international legal instruments that are available to address cyberterrorism and reflects on the challenges faced by aviation through cyberspace. Conclusions offer some food for thought on the article’s conclusions and on possible developments in the relationship between civil aviation and cyber security.