Unifly Highlights Progress in Cyber Certification for UTM Systems
Unifly, a frontrunner in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, presented the progress and preliminary results of the NAVISP EL3-23: “SecureUTM” project on the Belgian National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Workshop on June 19. The workshop, hosted by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO) and the European Space Agency (ESA), gathered industry leaders and technical experts to debate advancements in PNT solutions. The SecureUTM project, funded by ESA’s Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP), focuses on developing a cyber certification scheme for UTM systems.
Cybersecurity for UTM
The growing importance of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), particularly for beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) missions, brings about significant cybersecurity challenges as a result of high levels of automation. The SecureUTM project addresses these challenges by proposing a cyber certification scheme for UTM systems within the EU, aiming to make sure compliance with regulatory and cybersecurity standards. The project is split into two phases: the Technology Phase (Step 1) and the Product Phase (Step 2).
With Step 1 nearing completion, Unifly and Nexova presented their preliminary results on the PNT Workshop. These results included stakeholder feedback, regulatory analyses, the establishment of the cyber certification scheme, and a niche evaluation. Moreover, a secure proof of concept (PoC) for Belgian airspace has been developed, implementing identified mitigation measures to boost Unifly’s UTM system to fulfill stringent security standards. A validation exercise is currently underway, comparing a non-secured version with a secured version containing mitigation actions through various attack scenarios. These findings are being compiled right into a validation report, while discussions to define the outline of Step 2 have begun.
These preliminary results signify considerable progress in developing a secure and authorized UTM system. Future efforts will give attention to further research and development throughout the NAVISP program, including the implementation of a pilot program for a secure Belgian UTM with rigorous validation trials.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to pioneering solutions that enable the seamless integration of drones while ensuring the best standards of safety and security,” stated Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly.
Unifly is devoted to enhancing the security and efficiency of autonomous aviation with advanced technology. The Unifly platform acts as a bridge throughout the UAS ecosystem, enabling the secure integration of next-generation aircraft into the airspace. By digitizing and automating traffic management and integrating with drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Unifly addresses the expected exponential growth in air traffic. The corporate has successfully implemented over ten business UTM deployments, establishing itself as a frontrunner within the industry.
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