Cybersecurity in Aviation Takes Flight at CYDES 2025: Experts Call for Stronger Airspace Resilience

PUTRAJAYA, July 1, 2025 – As aviation continues to embrace digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent. This reality took center stage at the ASEAN Cyber Security Forum 2025 during CYDES 2025 – Advancing Cyber Resilience, where aviation cybersecurity was the focus of a high-level session titled “Cybersecurity in Aviation: Strengthening Airspace Resilience Through Experience and Collaboration.”

Held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), the session brought together leading experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to confront the increasing threats posed by cyberattacks on aviation systems. The dialogue emphasized not only the vulnerabilities within the aviation sector but also the opportunities for regional cooperation and cross-sector collaboration to build airspace resilience.

Moderating the session was Fazlan Bin Abdullah, Acting Head of Division at CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), who steered the conversation towards the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure within aviation. He underscored the stakes involved — the safety of passengers, the integrity of national airspace, and the operational continuity of airlines and airports.

The panel featured four distinguished speakers representing a broad spectrum of expertise:

• Mohd Hairil Bin Mhd Ali, Head of IT at the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), provided a frontline perspective on the specific cyber risks faced by the aviation sector. He elaborated on CAAM’s efforts to enforce stringent cybersecurity protocols across Malaysia’s aviation systems.
• Prof. Ts. Dr. Rabiah Binti Ahmad, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), highlighted the importance of academic research and multidisciplinary approaches in formulating innovative cybersecurity solutions. She called for stronger linkages between universities and industry players.
• Maizatul Khairani Binti Mohamad, Senior Assistant Director at the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), emphasized the integration of cybersecurity within national policy frameworks. She argued that aviation cybersecurity cannot exist in silos and must be embedded within broader national security strategies.
• Al Malik Faizal Hj Samah, Senior Manager at Advanced Air Traffic System (AAT), shared his experience managing digital transformations in air traffic systems. He warned of the operational risks posed by outdated systems and stressed the need for proactive cybersecurity planning.

The session touched on several critical themes, including:

• The escalating threat of cyberattacks targeting aviation infrastructure and control systems.
• The importance of real-time monitoring, data protection, and secure information-sharing mechanisms between stakeholders.
• The value of public-private partnerships in creating a unified front against cyber threats.
• The need to embed cybersecurity training within the aviation workforce to ensure long-term resilience.

In his concluding remarks, Fazlan Abdullah issued a call to action: “As aviation grows increasingly digitized, so must our commitment to cyber resilience. Protecting our skies means protecting our systems, our data, and our passengers.”

The session was jointly organised by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd, and supported by a coalition of government bodies and private sector partners. It served not only as a platform for knowledge exchange but also as a reminder that cybersecurity in aviation is a shared responsibility — one that requires constant vigilance, innovation, and collaboration across the region.

As Southeast Asia continues to expand its aviation footprint, forums like CYDES 2025 provide a crucial space for stakeholders to align strategies, build trust, and ensure that the region’s skies remain not just open, but secure.