Master Thesis / Bachelor Thesis within System Architecture - Assessment of cyber threat

Job description

Master Thesis / Bachelor Thesis within System Architecture - Assessment of cyber threat

Airbus Defence and Space Manching

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017, it generated revenues of € 67 billion and employed a workforce of around 130,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe’s number one space enterprise and the world’s second largest space business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place. Taking pride in our work, we draw on each other's expertise and experience to achieve excellence. Our diversity and teamwork culture propel us to accomplish the extraordinary - on the ground, in the sky and in space.

Description of the job

Are you looking for a final year project? Would you like to discover the work in the field of cyber security concepts? Then apply now! We look forward to you joining us at Airbus Defence and Space in Manching.

Location: Manching
Start: Spring 2019 / 2020
Duration: 6 months

Manching is the home of Airbus Defence and Space’s Military Air Systems Centre. The combined skills of program management, development, system integration, logistics and product support, procurement, marketing and sales departments have made it a centre of competence for manned and unmanned military aviation.

The development, maintenance and operation of these platforms require the creation, storage and exchange of a lot of technical information between high numbers of systems. All these systems serve different purposes and have different setups in terms of operating systems, tools and connectivity but could potentially be subject to cyber-attacks.

If you are looking for a Master Thesis and would like to assess cyber security concepts in the context of aerospace then use your opportunity and apply now! This Master Thesis has a result of a Bachelor Thesis as a basis. Airbus Defence and Space would support the research activities by offering the opportunity to work as a student trainee during the Master studies.

Desired profile

Tasks & accountabilities

The challenge we have to offer:

Cyber threats have long been present but received increased attention in recent years due to prominent incidents such as the Stuxnet attack on centrifuges to sabotage the Iranian nuclear power programme.

The allegedly hacking and subsequent leak of US DNC emails is another very recent incident with wide-ranging political consequences. An interesting reaction in this context is the statement of the US government which said that a cyberattack on its institutions is considered an act or war.
The last example for cyber-attacks is the theft of F-35 design documents by Chinese hackers which are suspected to have influences the Chengdu J-20 design.

As a signal to emphasize its importance the Bundeswehr is currently in the process of establishing its own branch focusing on cyber security.

Airbus Defence and Space face the same challenge especially in the field of military aircrafts.

Currently the most important fixed-wing airborne military platforms of the Bundeswehr are Eurofighter, Tornado, Transall, A400M and P3 Orion which all have some sort of connection to the Airbus DS site Manching during their life cycle. Most of these platforms are originating from a time were cyber threats have not been an issue and thus have not been considered during specification and design.

Combined with the fact that upgrades to these military platforms are increasingly designed to conform to international standards for cost saving purposes as well as operated with support systems that are highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks (e.g. Windows based) the chance of being compromised is steadily increasing.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Required skills

You offer:

·  Enrolled student (m/f) within Information Technology, Computer Sciences, Electrical Engineering or similar field of study
·  Profound knowledge of vulnerabilities of current systems and cyber security concepts
·  English: fluent

You are a good team player, have excellent communication skills, and are able to work independently.