Cybersecurity for UTM:Preliminary Results of SecureUTM Project

Unifly Highlights Progress in Cyber Certification for UTM Systems
Unifly, a leader in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, presented the progress and preliminary results of the NAVISP EL3-23: “SecureUTM” project at 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 discuss 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 due to high levels of automation. The SecureUTM project addresses these challenges by proposing a cyber certification scheme for UTM systems in the EU, aiming to ensure compliance with regulatory and cybersecurity standards. The project is divided 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 at the PNT Workshop. These results included stakeholder feedback, regulatory analyses, the establishment of the cyber certification scheme, and a gap analysis. Additionally, a secure proof of concept (PoC) for Belgian airspace has been developed, implementing identified mitigation measures to enhance Unifly’s UTM system to meet 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 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 certified UTM system. Future efforts will focus on further research and development within 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 highest standards of safety and security,” stated Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly.

Unifly is dedicated to enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous aviation with advanced technology. The Unifly platform acts as a bridge within 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 company has successfully implemented over ten commercial UTM deployments, establishing itself as a leader in the industry.
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