CYBER RESILIENCE IN PAKISTAN’S AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE: THREAT MODELLING, RISK MITIGATION AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT

The rapid evolution of cyberspace has led to a significant increase in cyber threats, with the aviation sector being one of the most vulnerable among other industries. Given the global interconnectedness of air transport, any cyber-related incident within the aviation domain could have catastrophic consequences, affecting national security with global repercussions. In the context of Pakistan, ensuring cyber resilience within the aviation infrastructure has become increasingly critical to proactively address and mitigate these threats. This study conducts a qualitative investigation by conducting interview and using existing literature to identify the key cyber vulnerabilities present in the aviation system. Additionally, the paper provides different case studies that draw lessons on cyber resilience and provide risk mitigation strategies. Finally, the study offers a series of recommendations for strengthening Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure against cyber risks. By discussing these critical aspects, this research aims to contribute to the development of a robust and secure aviation sector in Pakistan, ensuring that the nation can effectively safeguard its airspace and maintain trust in its aviation services amidst an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape.

Keywords: Cyber Resilience, Aviation Infrastructure, Cyber Threats, Pakistan, Risk Mitigation, Policy Development.