Module 1 Aviation Trend/Issue Report - Essay Example

Airport Server Attacks Cyber attacks are an issue that has caused a great threat to a number of industries including the airports systems. Tasmania’s Hobart International airport was shut down as a result of a cyber attack. ISIS supporters group hacked into the airport servers and posted images that were defacing. Grey (2015) presents some of the dangers that international airports face as a result of cyber attacks. From the interview, it is clear that every website has an equal probability to cyber security attacks.

Hackers select a target group based on a number of characteristic that might fall under different industries. Attacks on the airline servers are not that common but they have happened in the past. There are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure that airports protect themselves from these attacks. All the strategies revolve around establishing a strong security foundation. Security measures can include prevention of SQL injection, regular code review and even user authorization.In the Tasmania’s Hobart International airport attack, the attack was focused on website defacing.

The great risk in any attack comes when the hackers breach the main operating system for the airport. Full control of the main airport system can cause catastrophic and unimaginable damage that can include loss of lives. Even attacks that do not lead to loss of life like attacks on the customer-facing websites, they can still cause inconvenience on a large scale (Grey, 2015). However, the ability of the hackers to gain control depends on their expertise, the security measures, code structure and the architecture.

It is, therefore, important for airlines to ensure that the security strategies are well established and regularly reviewed. ReferenceGrey, E. (2015, April 20). Hacking Hobart: KPMG talk cyber security in Wake of IS airport attacks. Retrieved from Airport Technology.