A prototype system built by IBM and the FAA will use real-time information gathered from sensors and system users to help secure aviation networks.

The system, designed to be hardened against hacking, malware and other forms of cyber attacks, will use trends analysis, collating and interpreting historical data addressing traffic patterns along with the real-time sensor-based data feeds.

IBM emphasizes a technology called streaming analytics, which will enable the FAA to continually analyze large amounts of data flowing through its networks in real time. The technology will enable the FAA to stay cognizant of possible threats and system compromises as they occur, said IBM, using customized executive-level dashboards that will provide visual representations of network workloads, and tickets for found malware. The dashboards will warn the FAA of possible impending attacks, IBM said.

IBM has developed the project as part of its First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) program. FOAK is a research project marrying IBM's research scientists with commercial clients, to produce systems that use new technologies in an applied way.