SD’s free Cyber Smart Kit summarizes the issues related to cyber attacks on executive jets, using   educational material to help flight departments’ understand common threats to data security in business aviation. Illustrated through real-world scenarios, the information outlines where potential data threats come from, and what can be done to mitigate the risks. The kit includes quick tips, recommended actions and suggests protocols to implement.

Operational applications are delivered through SD’s Cyber Security Solutions product. The comprehensive suite of services provides practical solutions to protect the integrity of onboard data.A complimentary network evaluation allows flight departments to review a company’s existing IT system through a self-assessment. This enables the identification of areas for improvement. An onsite risk assessment establishes vulnerabilities and potential threats using a suite of NIST, (National Institute of Standards and Technology) principles and ISO 27001 practices. Complementing this service, SD provides continual threat analysis and active monitoring, which detects and blocks intrusion attempts in real time. Underpinning the scope of services is the SD Private Network, which allows satellite and air to ground connectivity providers to connect aircraft via the SD Data Center and its multiple Points of Presence (POPs) worldwide. This enables IT departments to apply current corporate compliance protocols to the aircraft, just as they would with any other company office location.

The various cyber security offerings can be used individually or be packaged together in a customized offering to protect aircraft from nose to tail. SD offers a security confidence guarantee to customers who combine the SD connectivity services, SD hardware, and the SD Private Network.

“We are alarmed at how many companies we speak with have not addressed the potential threats of a cyber security attack on their aircraft network. They can damage reputation and finance, and are becoming more frequent. This is why we’ve developed a set of services that provide practical solutions, supported by accessible training options,” says Chris Moore, SD’s chief commercial officer. “We are committed to keeping business aviation connectivity safe and created the Kit to raise awareness and our Cyber Security Solutions products to actively defend networks in-flight and in the hangar. It is a powerful solution and we are the only company who has the confidence to underwrite  the service by our security guarantee,” adds Moore.

SD course to support NBAA PDP program.SD has written the Cyber Security Risk Management for Flight Departments course to support the operation team’s understanding of the implications of, and resolutions to, cyber attacks. Approved by the NBAA as part of its Professional Development Program, the course will make its debut in June 2018 during NBAA’s annual training day. The course is part of NBAA’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credential.

The three-part workshop aims to improve understanding of potential cyber security risks and includes techniques and strategies to reduce them. SD can customize each module to meet the needs of specific NBAA audiences. “NBAA’s PDP review committee confirmed to us that the course covered the objectives required, and liked the fact that the materials we submitted were complete and easy to follow. We are using this as a basis to build out further international training courses to support our Cyber Security solutions too,” said Mark Mata, SD director of training.  SD plans to launch further cyber security courses in Q4 of this year.

About Satcom Direct: Satcom Direct (SD) provides global connectivity solutions for business and general aviation, military, government, and heads of state aircraft, as well as operations in areas with connectivity limitations such as remote locations, large scale events, and disaster recovery. SD is a technology innovator. Since 1997, its teams have worked to advance the technology of connectivity, making SD the first in the marketplace to deliver numerous advancements and capabilities. The company is a premier Inmarsat Distribution Partner (including Jet ConneX), Iridium Service Partner, ViaSat Yonder’s preferred reseller, and the Exclusive Service Provider for SmartSky Networks.

The SD world headquarters and primary operations center is located in Melbourne, Florida, with additional office locations in the United States, Canada, UK, UAE, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. For more information regarding SD, visit www.satcomdirect.com, e-mail sales@satcomdirect.com, or call U.S. +1.321.777.3000 or UK +44.1252.554.460.