USTDA to fund aviation cybersecurity in Central America

The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is providing technical assistance to strengthen aviation cybersecurity across Central America. The initiative targets the air navigation systems managed by the Corporación Centroamericana de Servicios de Navegación Aérea (COCESNA), which serves Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

The project aims to develop a regional roadmap for cybersecurity, information technology, and operational technology to increase system resilience against digital threats. This includes implementing advanced network security measures, improved encryption and authentication protocols, and training programs for personnel.

Thomas R. Hardy, deputy director of the USTDA, emphasized that protecting interconnected aeronautical systems is vital for the safety of flights, particularly those with direct connections to the United States. The U.S. company Cibernetika LLC has been selected to execute the technical assistance and develop the comprehensive operational plan.