By Michael J. Rothschild, Senior Cybersecurity Marketing Leader & Visionary, Armis and Russell Yeager, Director of Airport Strategy for the U.S. Public Sector and North American Airport Market, Armis
Recent air traffic control and other operational disruptions at North American airports serve as a timely reminder that as aviation infrastructure becomes more connected and digitally advanced, so too must our approach to resilience. These incidents are not just technical events. They highlight the urgency and opportunity to proactively modernize and protect both the physical and network systems we rely on every day.
A Complex, Interconnected Ecosystem
Airports today are dynamic, digitally driven environments. Far more than transit points, they are hubs of interconnected technologies, ranging from traditional IT systems and operational technologies (OT) to an expanding universe of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Each of these is managed by one or more of the various stakeholders operating at an airport, from federal agencies and airport authorities to airlines and concessionaires.
This convergence of these various people, processes and technology plays a role in the seamless movement of people and goods. With various stakeholders responsible for their management, ensuring visibility and coordination across the entire ecosystem becomes increasingly important.
A Shared Responsibility for Operational Resilience
While recent system outages were not the result of cyber incidents, they underscore the importance of continuous oversight and coordination of network defense. Whether the cause is aging hardware, configuration issues, or digital anomalies, all aviation stakeholders share a responsibility to foster operational and cyber resilience.
The aviation sector plays a critical role not only in passenger transport but also in national security, global commerce, and emergency response. Disruptions can have wide-reaching effects underscoring the need for early detection, coordination, and modernization across our technology systems.
Moving from Reactive to Proactive
Today’s aviation environment requires more than incident response. It calls for predictive and preventive strategies, and education throughout the aviation community to raise awareness about cyber threats and the necessity for good cyber hygiene. Proactively monitoring the health of digital assets and identifying risks before they lead to disruptions can help maintain the high standards of safety and reliability the public expects.
For example, detecting a degrading radar component or an overlooked IoT device configuration can make the difference between routine maintenance and major service interruption. Building this level of awareness takes collaboration, tools, and a shared commitment to improvement.
A Path Forward: Collaborating for a Secure Future
The way forward is clear: as our aviation infrastructure grows smarter, it must also become more secure and resilient. This is a collective challenge—and a shared opportunity—for all stakeholders at the airport. Together, we can evolve our approach to reflect the realities of our increasingly digital landscape.
Here are five actions stakeholders can take today to build a stronger foundation for the future:
- Establish Comprehensive Visibility Across All Technologies
From IT systems to legacy OT and IoT devices, a full understanding of the technology footprint is essential to managing risk. - Adopt Risk-Based Vulnerability Management
Use threat intelligence and asset criticality to prioritize mitigation efforts, moving beyond periodic scans to continuous evaluation. - Foster Cross-Functional Coordination
Break down organizational silos by aligning cybersecurity efforts across IT, OT, facilities, and operations teams. - Implement Real-Time Monitoring and Early-Warning Capabilities
Detect issues before they escalate. Early insights help teams act with agility and reduce the likelihood of major disruptions. - Continuously Update and Exercise Response Plans
Practice builds resilience. Regular scenario testing ensures preparedness across all critical systems, minimizing potential impact.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that securing the future of aviation will require continued investment, collaboration, and modernization. By working together—airports, airlines, regulators, technology partners, and other industry stakeholders—can build a more resilient aviation ecosystem that not only keeps pace with innovation but leads the way.
Michael J. Rothschild – Senior Cybersecurity Marketing Leader & Visionary
Michael J. Rothschild is a seasoned cybersecurity marketing executive with over two decades of experience driving growth, innovation, and thought leadership across the industry’s most transformative security companies. Currently serving as Vice President of Product Marketing at Armis, the leading asset intelligence cybersecurity platform, Michael plays a pivotal role in shaping the go-to-market strategy and product evolution for Armis Centrix™.
Beyond his executive roles, Michael is a recognized speaker, trusted advisor, and passionate educator. He serves on advisory boards for cybersecurity programs at Ithaca College and Rutgers University, has taught marketing at Yeshiva University, and holds multiple certifications including Ethical Hacking, CompTIA Security+, and Pragmatic Marketing.
Whether guiding a high-growth startup through a category-defining rebrand or leading marketing through complex acquisitions, Michael brings clarity, creativity, and credibility to every stage of the cybersecurity marketing journey.
Russell Yeager – Strategy Director of Airports
Russell Yeager serves as the Director of Airport Strategy for the U.S. Public Sector and North American Airport Market at Armis, The Cyber Exposure Management & Security Company. In this capacity, Russell is focused on the convergence of IT, OT, and IoT within airport critical infrastructure and promoting comprehensive cyber risk management.
His background in the airport space includes design, engineering, and integration of airport security solutions, particularly baggage handling systems, CBIS, and consolidated checkpoint systems. This unique perspective informs his passion for securing airside cyber physical systems in partnership with airport and aviation customers.
DISCLAIMER
This article was provided by a third party and, as such, the views expressed therein and/or presented are their own and may not represent or reflect the views of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), its management, Board, or members. Readers should not act on the basis of any information contained in the blog without referring to applicable laws and regulations and/or without appropriate professional advice.