AIRWAYS INDUSTRY
Picture this : a Boeing 777 is flying a red-eye between New York John F . Kennedy ( JFK ) and London Heathrow ( LHR ). Everything is going smoothly through the flight ’ s first four hours . The aircraft is cruising over the North Atlantic Ocean at 37,000ft when , suddenly , a ransom message in bright red pops up on all of the seatback inflight-internet ( IFE ) screens . It ’ s a plausible scenario .
So , this is where Cyviation comes in . The Israeli-based startup mission is simple : to secure private and commercial jets from cyberattacks .
MEET CYVIATION
Israel Aerospace Industries ( IAI ), Israel ’ s largest defense contractor , initially entered the field of cybersecurity to meet internal needs , primarily supporting the Israeli government and allied organizations . It soon became apparent that aviation cybersecurity posed a uniquely complex set of challenges , requiring deep expertise in cybersecurity and avionics .
IAI realized it would need a focused approach that extended beyond its core business activities . As a profit-driven organization , IAI opted to spin off this venture , believing that a dedicated entity with targeted resources would be best positioned to succeed .
To bring this vision to life , IAI sought private investors who were closely tied to the aviation industry . In October 2021 , this collaboration led to the establishment of a new company : Cyviation . The goal was to create a proactive cyber company — not one that would just react after an incident had occurred . Cyviation was launched as a nonprofit venture , with IAI as a shareholder .
Through its partnership with IAI , Cyviation can gain important aircraft data suited to address the cybersecurity needs of commercial and private jets . Its Chief Executive Officer , Eliran Almog , and Chairman of the Board , Arik Arad , have extensive cybersecurity and aviation experience . Today , the company is headquartered in the Israeli seaside city of Herzliya . Cyviation has developed cutting-edge technology capable of mapping any potential vulnerabilities in aircraft and their surrounding environment . The technology assesses any risks posed to passengers , aircrew , aircraft , airlines , and communications with air traffic control ( ATC ). It can help airlines to remain compliant with upcoming cyber regulations .
“ Airplanes have always been a very attractive target to hit , whether from a terrorist point of view or a cyber-ransom view ,” said Arad , “ because the whole world will watch .”
It isn ’ t simple to make an aircraft cybersecure . For this to
58 AIRWAYS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025 www . airwaysmag . com