A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

International cybercriminal gangs are targeting business travelers in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Universal Weather and Aviation chief information security officer Keith Turpin told attendees last week at the NBAA International Operators Conference in Las Vegas. “The big move in cybercrime is to find out what your business is going to do and use the inside information for stock trading. We’re talking billions in illicit profits,” he said. Flight department customers, Turpin noted, often possess such information.

 


The cybergang DarkHotel, operating in Asia, was reported by the FBI in 2012 and remains active, and the APT28 Hacking Group in Europe and the Middle East was reported last year. “They compromise the network of a luxury hotel and send fake software update messages to network users,” he said. “It’s going to update the computer with a virus designed to steal access codes and credentials and look for information of value.”

 


To combat this and other cybersecurity threats, Turpin advises avoiding shared networks, public charging stations, and sketchy ATMs, which can be vectors for malware or identity theft. He also advises using “burner,” or one-time-use, mobile phones, tablets, and laptops for travel in insecure areas.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

Cybercriminals Targeting Bizav Travelers

“The big move in cyber crime is to find out what your business is going to do and use the inside information for stock trading."

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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