The significance of cybersecurity continues to grow against the backdrop of rapid digitalization and increasing interconnectedness across the aviation industry. During the panel discussion "The Final Frontier: Cybersecurity in the Aviation System," experts addressed current cyber threats, measures to safeguard aviation infrastructure, and modern approaches to information security. The agenda also covered incident information sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and strengthening the overall cyber resilience of the aviation sector.

The panel brought together leading international and domestic experts, including Camilo Pantoja, Aviation Cybersecurity Officer at ICAO; Olzhas Satiyev, CEO, Center of Analysis and Investigation of Cyber Attacks (TSARKA), Kazakhstan; Kayihan Altınoz, Chief Information Security Officer, TAV Airports Holding, Türkiye; Patrick Mana, Cyber-security Program Manager and EATM-CERT Manager, EUROCONTROL; and Ewa Joanna Piłat, Director Innovation and Digitalization, Chief Information Security Officer, IATA.

Modern aviation systems are highly complex and interconnected, relying directly on the integrity of data, IT infrastructure, navigation, and communications systems.

Panelists stressed the need to transition from regulatory frameworks to practical enforcement. Airports, air carriers, air navigation service providers, and government agencies all depend on the resilient operation of digital platforms. A cyber incident in one entity can create cascading risks across the aviation value chain; effective defense therefore demands rapid information sharing, coordinated action, and joint incident response readiness.

The discussion also touched upon the execution of the ICAO Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy and Cybersecurity Action Plan. Experts addressed accountability allocation, incident response optimization, inter-agency coordination, and fostering a sustainable cybersecurity culture.

"Kazakhstan operates a National Information Security Center. By law, all Security Operations Centers must report to the national SOC. We are also evaluating the establishment of a dedicated sectoral SOC for the transport system and aviation infrastructure."

The panel generated strong engagement from the audience, concluding with an active Q&A session on pressing aviation cybersecurity challenges.