This dissertation was written as part of my MSc degree in Cybersecurity at the International Hellenic University. More specifically, this paper critically examines the cybersecurity aspects and requirements of aerial networks, being formed between aircraft and
other flying vehicles and the ground, including Air Traffic Control services, operators
and users. It does that in the general context of the currently evolving aviation industry
that strives to incorporate new basically wireless communication and networking technologies to enhance automation and efficiency.
To introduce the unfamiliar reader to the aviation operational environment and the aspects of cybersecurity, this thesis provides an introductory description of the general
context of the aviation industry and its evolution, as well as the challenges it faces with
regards to cybersecurity that shape its evolution.
The examination of a real world scenario as a test case was attempted next as an example of a cybersecurity aware design method. The scenario involves the development of a
new air traffic control service similar to ADS-B. The system addresses the need to incorporate small aircraft and UAVs into the Air Traffic Management System and is
based on low consumption wireless protocol LoRa and the Internet of Things (IoT) concept. The system was developed as a proof of concept and was subsequently analyzed to
assess the threats and risks involved. Contingency measures for the hardening of the
system were proposed and used to update the design.
Finally, the paper studies more closely some of the measures proposed, with focus on
the wireless physical level security. The use of encryption in this layer, as part of the
modulation as well as Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) techniques, is explored
through simulations and possible advantages and disadvantages are identified.
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