Privacy & Security: Jaideep Mirchandani On Digital Future

By Author: Skyone.Aero
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Data protection, privacy, cybersecurity are pillars of digital independence,” says Jaideep Mirchandani

The aviation sector has long served as the backbone of global connectivity. With its current pace of growth, the demand for air travel shows no signs of slowing. As every aspect of the industry is now digitised, from cockpits and air traffic control to passenger data and maintenance schedules, there is also a significant exposure to cyber risks.

For instance, since June 2025, three major airlines have reported cyber incidents. The threats were contained, and the attackers’ primary goal was identified as data theft.

These are not isolated events. French aerospace and digital technology firm Thales Group recorded 27 major ransomware attacks by 22 groups between January 2024 and April 2025, with 71 per cent involving stolen credentials or unauthorised access to critical systems.

Industry experts stress the need for proactive and multi-layered defence to counter such evolving threats. This is especially crucial for countries like India, which is witnessing rapid growth in passenger numbers, large-scale ...
... airport expansion, and fleet additions by airlines.

“The aviation ecosystem is a complex web, heavily reliant on interconnected digital technologies. Nearly every function, including ticket bookings, navigation, air traffic control, communication systems, ground handling, and even in-flight entertainment, is fully digitised. Such dependence on technology makes the sector a high-value target for cyber attackers,” says Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of Sky One.

He explains that hacker groups focus on aviation because of the high stakes and potential impact. “It is vital to have strong cybersecurity measures that are comprehensive and constantly updated to counter the growing threats,” he adds.

According to him, a practical approach involves an updated digital security framework with real-time threat monitoring and strict access controls. “Since human error can open the door to attacks, frequent awareness sessions and training on spotting scams are crucial Maintaining secure offline backups ensures operations can be restored quickly if systems are compromised,” he notes.

As the country prepares for Independence Day celebrations, Mirchandani says it is also a fitting time to reflect on digital freedom in aviation. “We have indigenous solutions like ‘Vastav AI,’ a deepfake detection platform with 99 per cent accuracy, and ‘Maya OS, ’ a secure Indian operating system. Defence platforms like ‘Akashteer’ ensure complete independence in managing airspace threats, while initiatives like Bharat NCX and rising research and development investments are accelerating this transformation. There is an urgent need for digital independence that will enable India’s aviation sector to operate freely and securely,” he concludes.

Source: Machine Edge Global