Civil aviation is characterized by many technological advancements that produce new complexities and cyber challenges. These require advance preparation and promotion of adequate cyber protection. As part of Israel’s efforts to promote national and international cyber solutions, the National Cyber Directorate (INCD) signed a cooperation agreement with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

The agreement was signed by Gaby Portnoy, Director-General of INDC; Ido Nehushtan, President of Boeing Israel and former IAF commander Ido Nehushtan; and Brian Connolly, VP and Senior Chief Engineer for Cyber Systems at Boeing.

Tomer Goren, Chief Technology Officer, INCD: “The agreement is a product of a continuous dialogue which increased trust between all sides, critical for partnering in the cyber aircraft arena. The agreement will facilitate a deeper understanding of the cyber dangers to aircraft and will contribute to civilian airport security as the business sector rises out of the coronavirus crisis.”

Boeing, specializing in aerospace and space systems, is considered the third-largest defense company in the world and the largest exporter in the United States. The company manufactures and provides services for commercial aircraft, defense systems, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing has offices in Israel, led by former IAF commander Ido Nehushtan.

“The agreement is part of a strategic plan of the Directorate and the Civil Aviation Authority.”

As part of the signed Memory of Understanding (MoU), it was agreed to share knowledge, identify threats, promote understanding of risks and methodologies to reduce them, and develop solutions for the protection of civil aviation, in cooperation with the cyber and aviation industries in Israel and the United States.

The agreement is part of a strategic plan of the Directorate and the Civil Aviation Authority (RTA), to promote cyber defense capabilities in civil aviation, such as: Forming a National Steering Committee for Cyber ​​Defense in Aviation, in collaboration with leading government agencies; Project Hercules, mapping threats and solutions in aviation; Promoting R&D of cyber defense solutions in the high-tech and cyber industry, as well as the academia; Guiding the Airports Authority, considered critical infrastructure, and the civil airlines in cooperation with RTA; Collaborating with leading manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus; Formulating and promoting binding standards for cyber protection with leading international bodies; And developing training and awareness among pilots and personnel.