As the aviation industry continues to evolve, 2025 brings a wave of significant cybersecurity regulatory changes that Safety, Risk, and Compliance Officers must navigate to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. With new mandates from global authorities such as ICAO and EASA, staying informed is critical and being proactive ensures seamless compliance.
Cybersecurity Regulatory Changes in 2025
ICAO Cybersecurity Strategy
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been at the forefront of aviation cybersecurity efforts. Its Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy, first introduced in 2019, is built on seven key pillars:
- International Cooperation
- Governance
- Effective Legislation and Regulations
- Cybersecurity Policy
- Information Sharing
- Incident Management and Emergency Planning
- Capacity Building, Training, and Cybersecurity Culture
In 2022, ICAO updated its Cybersecurity Action Plan, urging states to implement rules to manage aviation safety risks from cybersecurity events. As we enter 2025, many jurisdictions are still working to align with these requirements.
EASA Part-IS Regulation
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has taken significant steps to address cybersecurity threats through the Part-IS Regulation, which mandates aviation organizations to:
- Identify, assess, and manage information security (IS) risks impacting aviation safety.
- Implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS) within their operations.
Compliance Deadlines:
- October 2025 – Applicable to Production Organizations (EASA Part 21).
- February 2026 – Applicable to Air Operators and Maintenance Organizations.
For Safety, Risk, and Compliance Managers, this regulation is vital as it directly impacts an organization’s approval to operate and extends compliance responsibilities into IT activities. For more information on EASA Part IS and what it means for your airline, check out our detailed guide EASA Part-IS Regulation: Navigating the New Skies of Cybersecurity Regulations
Steps to Developing an Effective Information Security SMS
To meet these regulatory requirements, aviation organizations should follow a structured approach, here we also share some ways SafetyNet by Comply365 helps support airlines in this effort:
- GAP Analysis: Conduct an internal audit to identify IT systems and functions that could impact aviation safety.
- SafetyNet by Compl365 helps to document findings and raise corrective actions.
- System Updates: Assess risks and document the necessary controls and mitigations.
- SafetyNet by Comply365 centralizes all compliance tracking.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Involve cross-functional teams in planning and training to ensure seamless integration.
- SafetyNet and DocuNet for improved communication and documentation sharing.
- Monitor & Adjust: Continuously capture potential incidents to refine and enhance ISMS effectiveness.
- SafetyNet analytics via PureIntel by Comply365 helps identify trends and inform proactive adjustments.
Best Practices for Ongoing Compliance
Staying compliant is an ongoing process that requires strategic planning and technological support. Engaging the best SMS partners to help address the ongoing safety compliance needs will be essential. Some best practices include:
- Implementing an Advanced Safety Management Solution: Automate processes to reduce manual effort and human error.
- Staying Informed: Keep track of evolving regulations through centralized compliance resources.
- Leveraging Data: Utilize analytics tools such as PureIntel by Comply365 to drive data-based decision-making.
- Fostering a Safety Culture: Promote compliance awareness at all organizational levels to embed a safety-first mindset.
Ensuring Compliance Beyond 2025
Compliance doesn’t stop once the initial regulatory deadlines are met. Solutions like SafetyNet by Comply365, alongside tools like DocuNet and PureIntel, empower aviation organizations to stay ahead of evolving regulations while optimizing operational efficiency.
By integrating cybersecurity risk management with existing compliance processes, organizations can ensure sustained regulatory alignment and a strong safety culture across the entire operation. Are you ready to meet the cybersecurity challenges of 2025? Start preparing today and ensure your organization remains consistently compliant, efficient, and resilient.
