Cybersecurity For Aerospace: Digitalization & Industry 4.0

With sensitive intellectual property (IP), global supplier networks and growing reliance on connected technologies, the aerospace and defense industry has become a prime target for cyberattacks. In fact, the average cost of a data breach reached a record $4.45 million in 2023, according to IBM’s annual Cost of a Data Breach Report. This represents a 15.3% jump since 2020. For aerospace manufacturers, the stakes are especially high.

Aerospace manufacturing environments often involve a complex web of suppliers, contractors, and both legacy and modern technologies. This includes a mix of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems — each with different security needs and vulnerabilities. The increasing adoption of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies adds further layers of risk.

These evolving threats demand proactive, multi-layered defenses. Just how are aerospace manufacturers expected to implement secure methods for data sharing and collection? Essentially, the necessary cybersecurity solution begins by taking two key steps.

Step 1: Appoint a Cybersecurity Champion

Effective cybersecurity implementation starts with leadership. Aerospace manufacturers should appoint a dedicated cybersecurity project manager or engage a knowledgeable systems integrator. This individual or team must oversee the design, rollout and management of security solutions.

Organizations can also choose to partner with trusted vendors that offer secure IT systems to safeguard IP. These systems often connect to the Cloud via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and operate on independent networks that push data outward without exposing machines on the factory floor to inbound traffic. Whether you appoint someone on your staff or you work with a trusted third-party vendor, it’s essential to have professionals who specialize in industrial cybersecurity guiding the effort.

Step 2: Standardize with MTConnect

Regardless of the ERP system or machine tool brands a manufacturer uses, establishing a standardized communication framework is critical. Before introducing advanced cybersecurity measures, ensure that all equipment and systems are MTConnect-compliant. Developed by the MTConnect Institute, a not-for-profit standards development organization supported by AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology, MTConnect is like a universal translator that enables interoperability across a wide range of machine tools and software. The non-proprietary, royalty-free standard provides a secure, consistent foundation for safe data collection and exchange.

Once the foundation is in place, manufacturers need to determine where their data is headed. Understanding data directionality helps identify the right industrial protocols and compatible third-party software to use for collection and sharing. It also ensures that systems remain scalable as the business evolves — a crucial consideration in an industry where innovation moves fast.