Cyber Security Partnership Agreement

Airbus Defence and Space has signed a cyber security technological partnership agreement in the intelligent transportation field with IRT SystemX, the technological research institute for the digital engineering of future systems, and eight players in the rail transportation, automotive and aviation industries. So-called ‘intelligent’ transportation, i.e. transportation that is increasingly both autonomous and connected, offers new services and promises improved user safety. This hyperconnection means, however, that new digital threats, such as onboard system intrusion, data theft and jamming of communications can affect the safe operation of vehicles and user privacy.

Airbus Defence and Space will cooperate with IRT SystemX and the companies of the three application areas to share the most innovative cyber security solutions (e.g. secure architectures, discrepancy and intrusion detection systems) applied to intelligent transportation systems and thereby protect the onboard electronic equipment of autonomous vehicles against cyber threats.

“The range of attacks on future intelligent transportation, for example the car, which is becoming ever more connected, is increasingly extended by the hyperconnection of the electronic objects they comprise: diagnostic connectors, protocols open to the Internet, entertainment, electronic control units for vital functions, remote warning systems, connected surveillance systems and poorly protected keys”, listed Paul Labrogère, Head of IRT SystemX's Autonomous Transportation Programme.

“With users taking advantage of vehicle interconnection and infrastructure, safety/security convergence is clearly of considerable importance and should be established at all levels in the value chain”, said François Lavaste, Head of CyberSecurity at Airbus Defence and Space. “The transportation industry will also benefit from these innovations, whether it be to optimize the production chain, manage vehicle fleets or carry out predictive maintenance.”

This four-year agreement is based on three research and development areas. The first, so-called ‘Security by Design’ area, relates to the remote upgrading of the capabilities of all interconnected equipment and is implemented from the design stage of onboard electronic architectures. The second area focuses on the ‘Real time security’ of system operational management which includes access control, security supervision and through-life security support. The final area addresses regulatory and human factors, including ergonomics and certification methods.

Airbus Defence and Space's CyberSecurity branch provides companies, critical national infrastructures and also governmental and defence organisations with the reliable and high performance security services and products they need to detect, analyse and respond to the most sophisticated cyber attacks.