SAE International’s Latest Podcast on Cybersecurity and Aerospace

October 2, 2018

William Kucinski

The Boeing Next-Generation 737 is one of many airliners that now employ cutting edge in-flight entertainment systems, wireless technology, and connected aircraft systems. (Image source: Boeing)

In a connected world, cyber vulnerability is real. Despite the advantages of electronic flight bags, passenger entertainment, and electronic access to maintenance systems, computer interconnectivity has opened the aviation sector to cyber-attacks that could impact flights, data, and public safety.

Special guest Kirsten Koepsel, lawyer and engineer specializing in cyber security, talks with SAE International about how this new environment affects the planes and airports we use every day.

Podcast: SAE Cybersecurity Podcast: Let's Look At It Again: Cybersecurity and Commercial Aviation

Koepsel's years in the defense industry include working in different areas of aviation manufacturing, including the design and testing phase for advanced programs such as the Rockwell X-30 National Aerospace Plane (NASP), day-to-day production support including design and management of internal independent research, and development programs for high-temperature and metallic material and quality control support for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon .

As part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), Koepsel assisted small manufacturers with improving manufacturing processes and reducing their environmental footprints. For several years, she has updated a chapter that looks at different cyber-attack modes and statistics on cybercrime for data security and privacy law.

Koepsel also teaches an IACET-accredited SAE International course titled Introduction to Cyber Security for Commercial Aviation.

Kristen Koepsel

With over 20 years in aviation engineering, production support, research, manufacturing assistance, and policy and more than 10 years in cyber security, Koepsel has a unique view when examining the intersection of commercial aviation and cyber security. For over 10 years she monitored issues, policies, and regulations and advocated positions on intellectual property rights, including counterfeiting, management, protection and enforcement of data rights, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, computer software, open source software, and standards for an aerospace trade association in Washington D.C. Koepsel received her L.L.M. and J.D. from Franklin Pierce Law Center in New Hampshire. She earned a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Tennessee and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology and grain science from Kansas State University. Koepsel has worked with the SAE International G19 and G21 committees, helping to prevent counterfeit electronics and parts in the aerospace industry. In addition to her committee work, Koepsel is an accomplished author publishing multiple titles with SAE International covering aerospace supply chain management and cybersecurity:

SAE International podcasts

SAE International in continually exploring critical topics in transportation cybersecurity with industry, government, and legal experts. Get insight more insight and increase your understanding at https://www.sae.org/podcasts .

William Kucinski is content editor at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group in Warrendale, Pa. Previously, he worked as a writer at the NASA Safety Center in Cleveland, Ohio and was responsible for writing the agency’s System Failure Case Studies. His interests include 'literally anything that has to do with space,' past and present military aircraft, and propulsion technology. And also sportscars.

Contact him regarding any article or collaboration ideas by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..