Capstone · 2025–2026

Secure Wireless
Aircraft Data Load.

Developed a mock aircraft dataload system with wireless support, focusing on cybersecurity, network design, and compliance with aviation standards within real-world operational and certification constraints.

overview

The
challenge.

Loading software onto aircraft is a complex process that must account for strict airline procedures, certification requirements, cybersecurity concerns, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Unlike everyday software deployment, aviation systems demand high reliability, adherence to regulatory standards, and careful planning to ensure safety and compliance.

The project aimed to create a simplified mockup of an aircraft dataload system with added support for wireless dataloading. This approach provided a safe environment for exploring the technical and procedural challenges involved in real-world aircraft systems. Wireless dataload introduces new dimensions of flexibility but also raises additional security and feasibility concerns that must be addressed in the design.

Through this project I gained practical exposure to Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), threat modelling, and aircraft network design, while working with aviation-specific standards and protocols. The project balanced technical innovation with real-world limitations, offering insight into the intersection of cybersecurity and aviation systems engineering.

highlights

Key
contributions.

EAP-TLS Authentication
Implemented EAP-TLS-based mutual authentication using a RADIUS server to secure the wireless dataload channel between ground systems and aircraft.
PKI & Certificate Management
Designed and deployed a Public Key Infrastructure for certificate issuance, validation, and revocation across the dataload system.
Threat Modelling
Conducted threat modelling sessions to identify attack surfaces in the wireless channel and developed mitigations aligned with aviation security standards.
DO-178C Compliance
Ensured the system design aligned with DO-178C and related aviation certification frameworks, balancing security requirements with airworthiness constraints.

technology

Stack &
tools.

A cybersecurity-focused capstone integrating wireless networking, PKI, and aviation certification standards to secure aircraft software dataloading.
Avionics Security Wireless Networks DO-178C Cryptography EAP-TLS RADIUS PKI Embedded Systems
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