As part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) annual Drone Safety Day, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division is set to host a free webinar focusing on cybersecurity best practices for drone operators. The session is scheduled for April 29, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and will cater to stakeholders in the government, non-profit, corporate, and recreational sectors.
Register here for this one hour, free webinar.
The webinar will be led by Noel Zamot, a decorated former Air Force cybersecurity expert and Senior Advisor to MassDOT Aeronautics. Zamot, who also serves as the President of Atabey Group, brings extensive experience in autonomous vehicles, AI, and advanced aviation policy and research.
Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in the current technological landscape, noting, “Safety is the priority for MassDOT, and understanding the nature of cyber threats is crucial to safeguarding ourselves.”
FAA New England Region Regional Administrator Colleen D’Alessandro highlighted the webinar’s importance, stating, “Cybersecurity is a key component of drone safety, essential for every drone operator across all sectors.”
The urgency of enhancing cybersecurity measures in aviation was underscored by MassDOT Aeronautics Administrator Jeff DeCarlo, who stated, “Anyone planning or piloting UAS operations needs to know and implement cybersecurity best practices. Bad actors are exploiting the rapid pace of technological change, which means we all need to know how to put in place, and update, drone safety protocols.”
The cybersecurity threats to aviation are escalating as technology evolves. Zamot explained, “We’re seeing a rise in cybersecurity threats due to highly complex systems and adversarial threats using advanced tools. The webinar will discuss frameworks to ensure UAS missions can be successfully completed despite hostile actions.”
Participants can register for the webinar here. Additionally, those interested in learning more about the FAA’s Drone Safety Day and how to participate in other events can find more information here.
MassDOT Aeronautics works to enhance air transportation in Massachusetts through safety, efficiency, and economic development. The division regulates air traffic, maintains public-use airports, and supports state and local infrastructure projects with drone technology.
Drone Safety Day is an annual initiative by the FAA to promote safe drone operations. The campaign underscores the societal, economic, and safety benefits of responsible drone use with various educational and community-focused events.
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