With the rapid evolution of the digital age, there is also an alarming increase in the number of cyber-attacks on IT systems within public and private sectors. As such, more and more airports, are taking a proactive role in addressing these challenges with Munich Airport, operated by Flughafen München GmbH (FMG), being at the forefront in developing its own dedicated training centre to tackle the threat of cyber-attacks.
Munich Airport’s new training centre, which officially started operations in January 2018, will bring together IT experts from its own organization (FMG) as well as specialists from high-profile tech companies to test defensive strategies and look for new solutions in the fight against cybercriminals. With the support of three reknowned European IT security companies – ERNW INSIGHT, HvS-Consulting and IT-CUBE SYSTEMS – this new facility is known as the “Information Security Hub or ISH”.
Cybersecurity threats
In response to the present cyber threats that exist, Thomas Weyer, the CFO and Director of Infrastructure at FMG stated, “As an airport operating company, we are responsible for the functionality of critical infrastructure and must take up the fight every day to ensure protection against cyber-attacks.”
ACI recognizes the importance of promoting training programmes and strategies to mitigate these cybersecurity threats. ACI is pleased to accredit and recognize those cybersecurity courses offered by FMG’s Airport Academy under the ACI Accredited Training Institute (ATI).
Kevin Caron, Director, Capacity Building Programmes, for ACI stated, “The cybersecurity programmes endorsed by ACI under the ATI framework are in keeping with the mandated training needs outlined by the ACI Security Standing Committee to ensure a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.”
Munich Airport training centre
The new centre at Munich Airport has four training rooms and IT labs, a control room and an amphitheater for presentations and briefings. All of the facilities are equipped with computers, network hardware, cameras and projectors.
With this fully equipped cyber simulation range equipment, a group can carry out realistic attacks on IT systems for training purposes, for example, with a second group assigned to take defensive measures.
The main target group of the ISH will be airports. However, airlines and other partners from the aviation industry that must meet the new regulatory requirements for the transportation sector are invited to participate and attend these programmes.
Airports that have properly trained staff and have access to the right tools in order to address the current technological challenges stand to benefit from better incident prevention by ensuring a seamless customer service experience for the end user, the travelling public.
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