Swansea University & partners embed cybersecurity in aerospace
Swansea University, Novel Engineering Consultants and Airbus Endeavr Wales are collaborating on a project to embed cybersecurity into aerospace systems starting from the design phase.
The research aims to address cybersecurity standards within the aerospace sector by exploring how Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) can proactively enhance system resilience at the early stages of development.
The project is led by Professor Siraj Shaikh, Head of the Systems Security Group at Swansea University's Department of Computer Science, and Dr Hoang Nga Nguyen, with input from experts at Novel. The goal is to develop frameworks that safeguard emerging technologies and improve current security practices for aerospace systems.
Project focus
The team will work on various aspects to increase cybersecurity resilience within the aerospace industry. Their main focus areas include early threat detection, developing and applying security validation methods, and establishing frameworks for integrating cybersecurity at the design stage. Emphasis will also be placed on adherence to current aerospace security standards and regulations.
Ian Thomas, Technical Lead at Novel, commented on the collaboration:
"By combining Novel's deep expertise in model-based engineering with Swansea University's world-class research in systems security, we're creating new tools and practices that can integrate cybersecurity at the heart of aerospace and improve performance in the industry."
The project seeks to foster industry guidelines and best practices, aiming for sector-wide implementation of its findings.
Industry impact
Professor Shaikh outlined the broader objectives of the initiative, stating:
"This project aims to enhance aerospace cybersecurity by strengthening resilience and protecting infrastructure from cyber threats. It also creates valuable opportunities for job creation and skills development in Wales, equipping researchers and engineers with advanced cybersecurity expertise to support industry growth."
In addition to technical advancements, the initiative is positioned as a driver for skills development and job creation within Wales and the wider UK aerospace supply chain.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans MS, remarked on the project's economic significance:
"The Endeavr programme is all about growing the Welsh economy by helping turn innovative ideas into reality and I am delighted to see cutting edge technology being developed by Swansea University in support of Airbus Defence and Space."
Collaboration between academic researchers and private industry specialists is seen as central to the effort, with each partner bringing complementary expertise to the project.
Partnership approach
Nick Crew, Airbus Endeavr Wales Operations Officer, also noted the importance of the academic–industry approach, stating:
"We are looking forward to collaborating with the well-recognised experts in the area of cybersecurity and systems engineering from Swansea University and Novel to provide increased operational effective cybersecurity in our industry."
The partnership brings together researchers from Swansea University's Systems Security Group and cyber-physical systems specialists from Novel, benefitting from the resources and industrial insights provided by Airbus Endeavr Wales.
As part of the project, the teams will share their findings with the broader aerospace industry, with the intention of strengthening the sector's resilience to cyberattacks and setting benchmarks for the integration of cybersecurity measures from the earliest stages of system development.
Areas of technical focus will include the development of methods for anticipating and preventing cyber threats, the creation of new validation techniques, and the establishment of best practice industry guidelines for cybersecurity. Project participants will also ensure that their work aligns with the latest aerospace industry regulations and standards.
Through this initiative, Swansea University, Airbus Endeavr Wales, and Novel Engineering Consultants aim to support secure, safe, and sustainable aerospace development in the UK by embedding cybersecurity more deeply within system design processes.
