SITA, the global leader in air transport technology, has reached a significant agreement to partner with Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity protection for mission-critical airports applications. This partnership marks a key milestone with the addition of Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered cybersecurity platforms into SITA’s CyberSecurity portfolio.
SITA will provide the management and operation from its CyberSOC. The solution will safeguard access from remote sites, mobile workforce and airport assets such as check-in workstations, self-service kiosks, tablets, smartphones and baggage scanners, enabling smooth passenger flows whilst also avoiding downtimes and reducing turnaround times where efficiency of operations is a key priority. The partnership will focus on delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions (including Palo Alto Networks Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Prisma SD-WAN Instant-On Network (ION) Devices, and Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access) to provide comprehensive network security, connectivity and cloud-based protection, all managed by SITA.
This innovative solution, called SITA Managed Security Service Edge (SSE), consisting of Palo Alto Networks solutions, offers a complete suite of network security services (such as Secure Web Gateways, intrusion detection, threat intelligence, next generation antivirus or WildFire, DNS protection, SSL decryption and data loss prevention), all seamlessly delivered from Palo Alto Networks’ dedicated cloud platform.
As a specialized subset within SITA’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, SSE delivers robust and innovative world-leading security measures to protect digital infrastructure and implements the kind of advanced protection demanded by all CISOs and compliance authorities – including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and ISO 27000.
Martin Smillie, SITA Senior Vice President for Communications and Data Exchange (CDE) said: “The need to protect vital digital applications within the transportation industry has never been more acute, given the ever-evolving threat from cyber-attacks. This agreement delivers industry-leading cybersecurity protection for our airport, airline and other customers, in mission critical areas of their operation. Managed by SITA CyberSOC, this combines Palo Alto Networks best-in-class AI-powered, cloud native Endpoint and Application protection, all optimised and future-proofed to combat cyber threats.”
Patricia Murphy, VP EMEA & LATAM Ecosystems at Palo Alto Networks said: “SITA has provided innovative answers for communications and data exchange to the aviation industry for the past 75 years and is now expanding into other areas of transportation also. This partnership will begin a transformation of cybersecurity in the air transport industry, helping ensure that critical systems are protected with the most advanced cybersecurity platforms available (platformization) – fostering a safer and more efficient environment for air travel worldwide.”
Palo Alto Networks will help provide the current and next generation of cybersecurity protection and software for SITA Secure Service Edge at mission-critical areas of aviation and other areas of transport.
Palo Alto Networks leverages its Precision AI proprietary AI system to detect and outpace potential cyber threats, providing next-generation cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally across all industry sectors. Its best-in-class platforms and services are supported by cutting-edge threat intelligence and state-of-the-art automation.
About SITA
SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe, secure and sustainable air travel.
With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of over 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Its communications network connects every corner of the globe, and SITA bridges 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.
In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved SITA’s near-term and long-term emission reduction targets. These science-based targets are pivotal in guiding the company’s climate actions to curtail greenhouse gas emissions effectively. SITA is also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies.
In 2024, SITA acquired Materna IPS, leader in passenger handling, to create the world’s most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel. SITA then acquired ASISTIM, to offer a fully-fledged airline flight Operations Control Center managed service. The company also launched SmartSea to give the maritime industry access to the same advanced technology that is transforming air travel. The launch comes as part of SITA’s growth into cruise and rail, as well Urban Air Mobility, such as Vertiports.
SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.
Featured image credited to istock.com/Izabela Habur
