SITA and Palo Alto partner on airport cybersecurity

January 17, 2025

SITA has joined forces with cybersecurity giant Palo Alto Networks to deliver advanced security solutions for airports worldwide.
This collaboration integrates Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered cybersecurity tools into SITA’s CyberSecurity portfolio, enhancing protection for airport systems.
The partnership introduces SITA Managed Security Service Edge (SSE), a comprehensive solution designed to safeguard airport operations from cyber threats.
Using Palo Alto Networks’ Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Prisma SD-WAN devices, and cloud-based Prisma Access, the service delivers end-to-end network security, connectivity, and cloud protection.
Managed from SITA’s CyberSOC, the solution secures assets like check-in kiosks, baggage scanners, and mobile devices, ensuring efficient passenger flows and minimizing disruptions.
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 (platformisation) – fostering a safer and more efficient environment for air travel worldwide.”