McGill University Launches AI Initiative to Combat Cyber Threats in Aerospace

A new collaboration between McGill University and several partners aims to tackle the escalating cybersecurity risks facing aerospace systems. This initiative addresses vulnerabilities in long-lived space technologies that rely on outdated systems, making them susceptible to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. The partnership includes Queen’s University, the Royal Military College of Canada, and CAE, a Montreal-based aviation training and simulation technology company.

Led by Professor Steven Ding from McGill’s School of Information Studies, the research team has received $500,000 in funding from the National Cybersecurity Consortium (NCC) to support the development of an innovative AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS). CAE is contributing $47,762 in in-kind support for the project.

Bridging the Cybersecurity Gap in Aerospace

Ding noted that many legacy satellite systems were created before the current interconnected operational environments became widespread. “The increasing use of networked tools and mobile devices across aerospace operations can introduce new categories of cyber risk,” he explained. The project focuses on enhancing the understanding of how to integrate monitoring and mitigation strategies within these complex environments.

Eric Chung, Engineering Manager for the CF-18 Mission Systems at CAE, emphasized the growing exposure of satellites and defense platforms to new threats. “With increased systems interconnectivity and links to the internet, many platforms are becoming vulnerable to attacks they were never designed to handle,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of preventing malicious components from entering the supply chain, particularly given the diverse manufacturing processes involved.

The technology being developed by this collaboration also aims to have applications beyond military use. Chung pointed out that commercial airliners operate aircraft for decades, and the introduction of onboard internet increases the potential for cyber intrusions. “We need systems to detect cyber anomalies, especially with platforms that were never designed for this in the first place,” he added.

Innovative AI Solutions

What sets this IDS apart is its adaptability to various communication systems. The AI component is designed to learn how to interpret new systems autonomously, enabling it to identify suspicious activity without the need for constant manual updates. Ding likened the AI to a person in a crowded room where multiple languages are spoken. “Unless the listener understands each language, they may not be able to identify a threat,” he said.

The project comprises three main components: an AI system that analyzes raw data to learn unfamiliar communication protocols, an automated security tool that detects unusual activity and provides clear explanations, and a human-AI interface that allows users to offer feedback for improving the system’s accuracy over time.

The research team plans to explore opportunities for joint commercialization and seek further partnerships within the industry. This initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing the cybersecurity posture of aerospace systems, ensuring both military and civilian applications are better protected against emerging cyber threats.