Okay, so youre thinking about hiring an aviation cybersecurity consultant? Expert Insights: Aviation Cybersecurity Consulting Trends 2025 . Smart move! managed services new york city Thing is, figuring out what to ask can be kinda daunting. You dont wanna sound clueless (even if you feel a little clueless, yknow?), but you do need solid answers. So, lets break down some questions thatll help you separate the wheat from the chaff, shall we?
First off, lets talk about their experience. You need to know theyve actually done this before. Dont just ask, "Have you worked in aviation cybersecurity?" Thats too broad. Instead, try something like: "Could you walk me through a specific project where you improved the cybersecurity posture of an airlines fleet management system? What were the biggest challenges, and howd you overcome em? " Or, "Tell me about a time you helped an airport recover from a cyberattack. What type of attack was it, and what were the immediate steps you took?" Specifics are key! You arent looking for vague platitudes here.
Next up: understanding the aviation landscape. Aviation isnt like banking or retail. Its got unique regulations, specific technologies (think flight control systems, air traffic management, the whole shebang!), and safety-critical aspects that just dont exist elsewhere. You need to know if they get it. Ask: "How familiar are you with aviation-specific regulations like FAA guidelines or EASA standards regarding cybersecurity? Can you give me an example of how these regulations impact the design of security solutions?" Or, "How do you account for the inherent safety-critical nature of aviation systems when implementing cybersecurity measures? Whats your approach to balancing security with operational safety?" If they start mumbling about PCI compliance, run! (Okay, maybe dont run, but definitely be skeptical!)
Then, theres the technical side. You dont necessarily need to understand every bit and byte, but you do need to gauge their technical depth.
Dont forget about communication and reporting. What good is amazing security if you cant understand it? Ask: "How will you communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders, like senior management or board members? Can you provide examples of reports youve generated for similar projects?" You want someone who can translate geek-speak into plain English, yknow?
Finally, references are crucial! Ask for em! Check em! Talk to previous clients.
Oh, and one more thing! Ask about their incident response plan. What happens when, not if, something goes wrong? Do they have a plan in place? Are they ready to help you navigate a crisis?
So, there ya go! A few questions to get you started. Remember, youre not just hiring a consultant; youre investing in the safety and security of your organization! Good luck! It isnt a small matter.