91 pc of world’s airlines aim at investing in cyber security

With ever increasing airlines adopting Internet of Things (IoT), cyber security is an obvious concern for the sector. According to travel technology provider SITA, a majority of the world’s top airlines aim at investing in cyber security initiatives in the coming years.

The organization’s latest survey “SITA Airline IT Trends 2016″ says that 91 percent of world’s top 200 airlines plan to invest in cyber security programs over the next three years. This figure stood at less than half three years back when only 47 percent had said that they were making advanced preparations to manage cyber risks.

“The focus on cyber security also reflects the move to the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) in which a vast number of physical objects will become connected to the internet,” the travel technology major said in a statement.

“This enables tracking, data collection, analysis, and control, which necessitates more security. An overwhelming majority of airlines (68 percent) are investing in IoT programs in the next three years,” it added.

Another key area of IoT investment is in connected aircraft which 46 percent of airlines believe will give a better passenger experience. Today 37 percent of airlines operate connected aircraft and this will jump to two-thirds by 2019.