Cyber-attacks pose increasing risk to air travel

While a person is more likely to be killed by a bolt of lightning than die in an airplane crash, aviation insurers have warned that cyber-attacks will pose a greater threat to air safety in the years to come.

A report by aviation insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE says the increasing likelihood of cyber-attacks and the expected increase of drones in commercial use are an increasing concern for the industry.

“New-generation aircraft are highly exposed to cyber-crime due to the prevalent use of data networks, onboard computer systems and navigation systems”, said Ludovic Arnoux, the company’s global head of aviation risk consulting.