ACI World at ICAO security week 2023: improving the cyber resilience of airports

ACI World launches the APEX in Cybersecurity assessment programme

Airports Council International (ACI) World reiterates its commitment to improving the overall cyber awareness and resilience of airport operators and the aviation ecosystem through advocacy and the launch of a new airport assessment programme.

The support to ACI members in the area of cybersecurity follows the ACI World Resolution ‘Affirming airport’s commitment to addressing the evolving cyber threats in aviation,’ agreed at the 33^rd ACI World Annual General Assembly (WAGA) that took place in Barcelona, Spain, in June 2023.

ICAO Security Week 2023

ACI World will actively represent airport interests at the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Security Week 2023: Aviation Security (AVSEC) & Cybersecurity (CYBERSEC) event, beginning on Monday 23 October and running until 27 October 2023 in Montreal.

With the proliferation of cyber-attacks globally, ACI World continues to advocate for a cybersecurity regulatory framework that is developed to be outcomes focused, fit for purpose, leveraging existing standards and frameworks, and promoting cybersecurity culture across the aviation industry.

Further building airport and aviation awareness and resilience should include developing incident response and recovery mechanisms as part of existing emergency or business continuity plans and leveraging international cyber information-sharing mechanisms.

APEX in Cybersecurity

To help airports identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities, mitigate risks, and ensure regulatory compliance, ACI World launches the newest addition to the Airport Excellence (APEX) peer assessment programme that has been helping airports optimise their safety, security, and environmental standards consecutively since 2011.

The new APEX in Cybersecurity is an onsite airport review and serves as a starting point for assessing cybersecurity practices at airports. The programme is meticulously designed to assist airports in undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of their cybersecurity landscape. By leveraging international standards and renowned frameworks, the programme offers a proactive and rounded perspective on the cyber challenges faced by airports today.

Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General at ACI World, said: “It is critical that stakeholders continue to work collaboratively to strengthen the aviation ecosystem’s mitigation and resilience to cyber events. A cybersecurity framework that is outcomes focused and fit for purpose, coupled with the development of incident responses and recovery mechanisms as well as international cyber information sharing are pivotal to our shared goal of a thriving air transport system.”

“To support ACI members across all regions, from bustling hubs to medium and small airports, ACI World launches the APEX in Cybersecurity programme aimed at leveraging the expertise of the airport and aviation community to raise cyber awareness and resilience standards at airports. A strong collaborative approach is essential to address cyber threats.”