What is cybersecurity in aerospace?

Key Takeaways:
  • Cyberattacks are increasingly targeting industries like construction and local government, causing operational disruptions and financial loss.
  • Proactive measures like vulnerability testing and employee training are important to identify and close security gaps.
  • A trusted cybersecurity partner can reduce risk and keep your business running smoothly.

 

If you run a business in the aerospace industry, whether you’re developing avionics software, fabricating precision components or providing technical services that support defense operations, cybersecurity may feel like one of those topics that’s always in the background, but never quite front and center. That’s changing, fast.

New compliance requirements, an escalating threat landscape and rising expectations from both government agencies and prime contractors have made cybersecurity an immediate business priority. This isn’t just about protecting data. It’s about protecting your reputation, your contracts and your company’s future.


A High-Stakes, High-Target Industry

Let’s start with a simple truth: if you’re in the aerospace industry, you’re in the crosshairs of some of the most sophisticated cyber adversaries in the world. We’re not talking about lone hackers looking for ransom payments. These are often nation-state actors with deep funding and long timelines, targeting defense contractors not for financial gain, but for strategic advantage.

Your company might not seem like a top-tier target on the surface. Maybe you’re a supplier to a supplier, and you don’t handle classified information directly. But in today’s interconnected environment, every link in the defense supply chain can be exploited. All it takes is one vulnerability—one untrained employee clicking a phishing link or one system with outdated security patches—for attackers to gain access.

What’s worse, these threats aren’t theoretical. According to a 2023 report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cyberattacks tied to nation-states have increased by more than 100% over the past three years, with aerospace and defense among the most frequently targeted industries.

The risks go beyond data theft. A well-timed ransomware attack can shut down operations. A breach of sensitive design files can lead to loss of intellectual property. And any sign that your business isn’t secure can be grounds for disqualification from a major contract.

CMMC 2.0: Raising the Bar for Defense Contractor Cybersecurity

To help mitigate growing cybersecurity risks and protect sensitive defense information, the DoD introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework. First launched in 2020 and streamlined in 2021 into what is now known as CMMC 2.0, the framework outlines a tiered approach to cybersecurity compliance for contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). CMMC sets three levels of maturity, with Level 2 serving as the minimum requirement for organizations that store or handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—a common reality for many aerospace manufacturers and suppliers.

Level 2 compliance is a rigorous standard that maps directly to NIST SP 800-171, encompassing 110 specific security practices across 14 domains. These include key areas such as access control, incident response, system and communications protection and configuration management. Unlike Level 1, which allows for self-assessment, Level 2 generally requires an independent third-party assessment, ensuring that companies aren’t just stating compliance—they must prove it through documented, auditable evidence.

For aerospace contractors and technology providers, this translates into significant investment—not just in IT systems, but in processes, training and long-term governance. Meeting Level 2 requirements involves more than checking boxes; it demands a cultural shift toward proactive security and risk management. Businesses must be able to demonstrate how they protect CUI, detect and respond to threats and maintain detailed records of security activities. But here’s the good news: Achieving CMMC compliance not only satisfies DoD mandates but also strengthens your company’s overall cybersecurity posture, making you a more resilient and trusted partner in a high-stakes industry.

Why Compliance is Mission-Critical

For aerospace companies operating within the defense sector, achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival. Without it, businesses may be disqualified from bidding on DoD contracts, cutting off a major revenue stream for many in the industry. And it’s not just the primes that need to comply. As top-tier contractors face increasing pressure to ensure supply chain security, they are pushing these requirements downstream. Subcontractors and smaller vendors who fail to meet compliance standards risk being left behind, regardless of the quality of their products or services.

But the implications of compliance go beyond maintaining eligibility for DoD work. In today’s threat-heavy environment, a robust cybersecurity posture is a strategic asset. Organizations that can clearly demonstrate their commitment to securing sensitive information are more likely to earn the confidence of partners, clients and regulators. Cyber maturity is becoming a key differentiator in a crowded and competitive market—those who invest in it are not just protecting themselves, but also gaining a competitive edge. By prioritizing compliance, aerospace firms position themselves as reliable, trustworthy and ready to meet the demands of an increasingly security-conscious industry.

What Does Cybersecurity Readiness Look Like in Practice?

For some aerospace companies, achieving compliance means building internal IT capabilities, hiring dedicated cybersecurity staff and investing in specialized tools. For others, especially small to mid-sized firms, it makes more sense to work with a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) who understands the aerospace environment.

Either way, here’s what cybersecurity readiness typically includes:

  • Asset inventory – You can’t secure what you don’t know you have.
  • Risk assessment – Understanding your most critical vulnerabilities.
  • Policy development – Clear, written procedures for handling data, responding to incidents, and managing access.
  • Endpoint protection – Antivirus, firewalls, and encryption on all devices.
  • Ongoing monitoring – Real-time alerts, logs, and centralized visibility through Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.
  • Regular training – Employees are often the weakest link; recurring training keeps security top of mind.
  • Documentation – For audit purposes and continuous improvement.

 

A Practical Path for Business Owners

If you’ve made it this far, you might be thinking: “I get it, but where do I even start?” That’s a fair question. Here’s a practical sequence to help you move forward:

  1. Start with a gap analysis

Understand where your business stands today relative to CMMC requirements. This will help you identify priorities and avoid wasting time or money on the wrong fixes.

  1. Document everything

Even if you have strong controls in place, they won’t count toward compliance unless they’re properly documented. Policies, logs, access reviews, training records—they all matter.

  1. Engage leadership

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. It’s a business issue. Your executive team needs to be involved in governance, funding and accountability.

  1. Get outside support if needed

Don’t try to go it alone if you don’t have to. Advisors, like Adams Brown Technology Specialists, who understand both aerospace and CMMC can help you move faster and with fewer headaches.

 

The Stakes Are Too High to Ignore

Cybersecurity in the aerospace industry is no longer optional, no longer a “nice to have” and no longer something to kick down the road. It’s mission-critical.

If your business is connected to defense contracts, developing advanced technologies or supplying specialized parts, you’re part of a high-stakes network that depends on secure, compliant partners.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Contact an Adams Brown Technology Specialist to discuss your cybersecurity concerns and goals.