Cyber-physical security for multi-fuel provisioning at airports

The integration of physical infrastructure with digital control systems in multi-fuel provisioning creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber threats, potentially disrupting operations, compromising safety, and causing environmental harm.

This challenge calls for new solutions to strengthen the cyber-physical security of airport fuelling systems, particularly those handling multi-fuel setups, as each system has different requirements and potential attack vectors.

Securing multi-fuel infrastructure

Infrastructure vulnerability. Alternative fuels infrastructure depends on both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), which can be targeted by malicious actors. Hydrogen, for example, requires extremely low-temperature storage and has high flammability, demanding stringent safety protocols. 

• Regulatory compliance. Regulations like the Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER) require robust cybersecurity measures for hydrogen production, distribution, and storage. 

• Emerging threats. Research underscores the need to embed cybersecurity into the design of emerging technologies. Studies on airport hydrogen infrastructure highlight the technical requirements for zero-emission flights and stress the importance of integrating cybersecurity early in development. 

The UK Government’s Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy also warns that without proactive cyber resilience measures, emerging technologies such as hydrogen fuelling, unmanned aerial systems, and future air traffic management could become prime targets for malicious actors. 

Leveraging Digital Twin technology

Digital Twin technology offers a powerful tool to address these challenges. By creating a virtual replica of airport fuelling systems, operators can:

• Simulate, monitor, and optimise operations in real-time 

• Identify vulnerabilities and test cybersecurity measures in a controlled environment 

• Ensure regulatory compliance by generating detailed performance reports. 

Who we need

• Technologists and Domain Specialists: Share your expertise to define future workforce capabilities in cybersecurity and operational modelling.
• Educators: Help outline the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for emerging roles in this sector.
• Enterprises: Contribute insights on the practical skills required to adopt these technologies effectively. 

How to participate

Join us in shaping the future of cyber-physical security at airports - register to attend one of our upcoming workshops and share your insights. 

Workshop schedule