Story ID: 
FAA Funds Second Phase of Cybersecurity Assessment
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Astronautics Corporation has received additional FAA funding to continue with phase two of its Aircraft Systems Information Security/Protection study.
Word Count: 215
Astronautics has received additional FAA funding to continue with the second phase of its Aircraft Systems Information Security/Protection (ASISP) research and development risk assessment contract. The work by the Wisconsin-based company will continue to explore areas such as air-to-ground communications to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.

“Astronautics is an expert in air-ground communications and connectivity for aircraft,” explained David Jones, the company’s manager of avionics security assurance, adding it will leverage that expertise to conduct in-depth studies. As a member of the U.S. Cyber Safety-Commercial Aviation Team, an organization that aims to advance National Airspace System safety, the company will work with other members of the group to develop a report for the FAA with cost-effective strategies to mitigate risk before cyber-attacks happen.

“Astronautics has been at the forefront of cybersecurity research and knows the importance of security for our customers,” said company president Chad Cundiff. “We are committed to continuing to work with the FAA to begin a practical phase for using the developed cybersecurity risk-assessment methodology.”

In October, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report calling on the FAA to fully implement "key practices" to guard against cybersecurity risks to avionics.