What is a key cybersecurity consideration for electronic flight bags (EFBs)?

• A. Implementing protections to prevent unauthorized access and ensure data integrity; require training.
• B. Replacing all weather data with manual sources
• C. Allowing unrestricted access to flight data
• D. Ignoring software updates to avoid bugs

Answer: (A)

Cybersecurity protections for electronic flight bags are essential because these devices handle sensitive flight data, charts, performance calculations, and weather information that pilots rely on in real time. EFBs are networked and can be exposed to threats like unauthorized access, data tampering, malware, and spoofed updates. The best approach focuses on preventing unauthorized access and maintaining data integrity, which means implementing strong access controls, authentication, encryption, secure software practices, and routine updates, plus training so pilots recognize phishing attempts, follow proper download and install procedures, and manage security features correctly. Training ensures the crew uses protections consistently and responds appropriately to potential security incidents.

Replacing weather data with manual sources would undermine safety and efficiency by removing current information. Allowing unrestricted access to flight data would create clear security risks. Ignoring software updates leaves known vulnerabilities unpatched, increasing the chance of compromise.