Webinar Description
Key Takeaways
- Practical guidance on establishing operational technology security programmes within aviation environments
- Real-world deployment insights from securing more than 50 distributed airport sites
- Strategies for achieving asset visibility across complex, geographically dispersed infrastructure
- Approaches to regulatory compliance, third-party risk management and cross-team coordination
- Designed for cybersecurity professionals, OT/IT managers and aviation security decision-makers
Introduction
Flight Plan: The Guide to Building an OT Security Program in Aviation is a webinar addressing the operational and strategic challenges of implementing cybersecurity programmes for operational technology within the aviation sector. The session brings together perspectives from both a technology provider and a major airline operator, offering attendees practical frameworks for securing distributed airport infrastructure. As aviation organisations face mounting pressure from evolving cyber threats and tightening regulatory requirements, the event provides timely guidance on moving beyond initial security measures toward mature, scalable programmes.
About This Event
The webinar features Sandeep Lota, Field CTO at Nozomi Networks, alongside Renny Kochubaby, Cybersecurity Specialist at Air Canada. Their combined expertise spans both the vendor and operator perspectives, with Air Canada serving as a case study for large-scale OT security deployment. The session draws on direct experience from implementing security measures across more than 50 distributed airport sites, providing attendees with lessons that extend beyond theoretical frameworks into operational reality.
The event is delivered in a live webinar format with sessions scheduled across multiple global time zones, making it accessible to international aviation security teams. The technical and educational focus positions the content for professionals seeking actionable insights rather than high-level overviews.
Operational Technology Security in Aviation Environments
Operational technology in aviation encompasses the systems that manage physical processes across airport infrastructure, from baggage handling and access control to environmental monitoring and ground support equipment. Unlike traditional IT environments, OT systems often operate on legacy platforms with extended lifecycles, limited patching windows and direct connections to safety-critical functions. This creates a distinct security challenge that requires specialised approaches.
The webinar emphasises that securing OT in aviation represents an ongoing journey rather than a discrete project with a defined endpoint. Asset visibility serves as the foundational step, enabling organisations to understand what devices exist across their infrastructure before implementing protective controls. However, the speakers position visibility as merely the starting point for a broader programme that must address network segmentation, threat detection, incident response and continuous monitoring.
Managing Complexity Across Distributed Sites
Aviation organisations face particular challenges when deploying security programmes across geographically dispersed locations. Each airport site may operate different equipment configurations, maintain separate vendor relationships and fall under varying local regulatory frameworks. Coordinating security policies and monitoring capabilities across dozens of sites requires careful planning and standardised processes.
Third-party dependencies add further complexity. Airports typically host numerous service providers, equipment vendors and contractors who require varying levels of access to OT systems. Managing these relationships while maintaining security visibility demands clear governance structures and technical controls that can accommodate legitimate operational needs without creating unacceptable risk exposure.
Regulatory Compliance and Cross-Team Coordination
Aviation cybersecurity operates within an increasingly prescriptive regulatory environment. Authorities across multiple jurisdictions have introduced requirements specifically addressing critical infrastructure protection, with aviation recognised as a sector requiring enhanced security measures. Meeting these compliance obligations while maintaining operational efficiency requires security programmes that integrate with existing business processes rather than operating as isolated functions.
Effective OT security also demands coordination between traditionally separate teams. IT security personnel, operational technology engineers, facilities management and aviation operations staff must collaborate to implement controls that protect systems without disrupting essential services. The webinar addresses strategies for building these cross-functional relationships and establishing shared accountability for security outcomes.
Who Should Attend
The session is designed for cybersecurity professionals and technology leaders working within aviation and critical infrastructure sectors. Relevant roles include Chief Information Security Officers, Chief Technology Officers, OT security managers, IT/OT operations leads and compliance officers. The content is particularly applicable to professionals at airports, airlines and aviation service providers who are responsible for developing or maturing their organisation’s approach to operational technology protection.
Attendees with existing OT security programmes will benefit from the practical lessons and deployment strategies discussed, while those in earlier stages of programme development will gain foundational guidance on establishing visibility and building toward more advanced capabilities.