SITA enhances cybersecurity offering to airports

SITA has reached a significant agreement to partner with Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader, to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity protection for mission-critical airports applications.

This partnership marks a key milestone with the addition of Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered cybersecurity platforms into SITA’s CyberSecurity portfolio.

SITA will provide the management and operation from its CyberSOC.

According to SITA, the solution will safeguard access from remote sites, mobile workforce and airport assets such as check-in workstations, self-service kiosks, tablets, smartphones and baggage scanners, enabling smooth passenger flows whilst also avoiding downtimes and reducing turnaround times where efficiency of operations is a key priority.

The partnership will focus on delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions to provide comprehensive network security, connectivity and cloud-based protection.

Martin Smillie, SITA’s senior vice president for communications and data exchange, said: “The need to protect vital digital applications within the transportation industry has never been more acute, given the ever-evolving threat from cyber-attacks.

“This agreement delivers industry leading cybersecurity protection for our airport, airline and other customers, in mission critical areas of their operation. Managed by SITA CyberSOC, this combines Palo Alto Networks bestin-class AI-powered, cloud native Endpoint and Application protection, all optimised and futureproofed to combat cyber threats.”

While Patricia Murphy, VP EMEA & LATAM ecosystems at Palo Alto Networks, noted: “SITA has provided innovative answers for communications and data exchange to the aviation industry for the past 75 years and is now expanding into other areas of transportation also.

“This partnership will begin a transformation of cybersecurity in the air transport industry, helping ensure that critical systems are protected with the most advanced cybersecurity platforms available – fostering a safer and more efficient environment for air travel worldwide.”