Systems for secure data connections in an aviation environment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interconnection of aircraft systems with ground-based networks increases cybersecurity risks due to varying communication protocols and potential data interception or corruption during transmission.
Innovation Solution
A secure communication management (SCM) computer device that analyzes data messages for cybersecurity threats, converts them into standardized formats associated with specific aircraft, and transmits them using appropriate communication protocols, establishing secure channels to prevent data loss and ensure secure communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aircraft systems are interconnected with ground-based networks to improve operational efficiency, then communication capability is improved, but cybersecurity risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure communication management (SCM) system as an intermediary component between aircraft systems and ground-based networks. The SCM system establishes secure communication channels, performs data validation, and manages protocol conversions while isolating the aircraft systems from direct exposure to ground-based network threats. This mediator approach enables improved communication capability while containing cybersecurity risks within the intermediary layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different communication protocols are used to accommodate various aircraft types and airlines, then adaptability is improved, but data integrity deteriorates due to interception or corruption risks
Solution Approach 1:
The SCM system serves as a protocol mediation layer that receives data from ground-based networks using standardized protocols, validates the data for integrity, and then converts it to the specific communication protocols required by different aircraft types. This intermediary approach maintains data integrity through validation while achieving protocol compatibility through controlled conversion, preventing interception or corruption risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data validation and security checks at the SCM layer before data is converted and transmitted to aircraft systems. By validating data integrity and checking for cybersecurity threats in advance, the system prevents corrupted or intercepted data from reaching the aircraft, thereby maintaining reliability while supporting multiple protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure communication management (SCM) computer device for providing secure data connections in an aviation environment which, includes safety of flight information, is provided. The SCM computer device includes a processor in communication with a memory. The processor is programmed to receive, from a first user computer device, a first data message for a first aircraft. The first data message is in a standardized data format. The processor is also programmed to analyze the first data message for potential cybersecurity threats. If the determination is that the first data message does not contain a cybersecurity threat, the processor is further programmed to convert the first data message into a first data format associated with the first aircraft and transmit the converted first data message to the first aircraft using a first communication protocol associated with the first aircraft.