Aeronautical security management over broadband air/ground network

Abstract

The present invention relates to aeronautical security management over a broadband air / ground network. A method to facilitate securing of air-to-ground communications for an aircraft is provided. The method includes receiving security management information at the aircraft via at least one broadband data link prior to takeoff of the aircraft. The security management information is received for ground entities that can be communicatively coupled with the aircraft traveling on a flight path. The method of securing avionics also includes validating the security management information for the ground entities, and storing the validated security management information for the ground entities in the aircraft. The validating and storing of security management information occur prior to takeoff of the aircraft.

Description

Background technique [0001] Currently, information security requirements for aeronautical communication systems have been specified in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document 9705, ICAO Document 9880, and ARINC Organization Specification 823. These aviation security solutions are designed for communication over low bandwidth air / ground data links such as Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) and VHF Data Link (VDL) Mode 2. [0002] The optimizations required for those low-bandwidth security solutions introduce computational complexity in both air and ground implementations. Additionally, key and certificate management for secure communications between aircraft and ground-based communication entities (referred to herein as ground entities) has not been fully defined and / or addressed by the aviation industry. While the AEEC and the Air Transport Association (ATA) Digital Security Working Group (DSWG) have addressed some security manag...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0002] The optimizations required for those low-bandwidth security solutions introduce computational complexity in both air and ground implementations

Additionally, the aviation industry has not fully defined and / or addressed key and certificate management for secure communications between aircraft and ground-based communicating entities (referred to herein as ground entities)

While the AEEC and the Air Transport Association (ATA) Digital Security Working Group (DSWG) have addressed some security management issues, the proposed solutions rely heavily on procedures requiring human intervention or assuming continuous continuity between aircraft in the air and entities on the ground. Connectivity (e.g., high-bandwidth air / ground data links)

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