INFLUENCE OF CYBER ATTACK PREVENTION AND CYBER THREAT DETECTION ON THE SAFETY OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES IN KENYA
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Air traffic control operations are increasingly dependent on digital systems that support communication, navigation, and surveillance functions. While this digital shift has improved efficiency and coordination in aviation, it has also exposed critical systems to growing cyber-security risks.
Purpose of the Study: This study examined how Cyber Attack Prevention and Cyber Threat Detection influence the safety of air traffic control services in Kenya.
Methodology: The study was grounded on Systems Theory and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, which explain how interconnected systems function and how technological practices are adopted within complex organizations. A descriptive survey design was used, targeting 535 employees from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), from which 85 respondents were selected using Yamane’s sampling formula. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings: The results showed that Cyber Attack Prevention practices were moderately to highly implemented, with mean scores ranging between 3.60 and 4.55. Cyber Threat Detection recorded slightly higher ratings, with mean values ranging from 3.70 to 4.68. Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between Cyber Attack Prevention (r = 0.612) and Cyber Threat Detection (r = 0.738) with air traffic control safety. Regression results confirmed that both variables significantly influence safety, with Cyber Threat Detection showing the strongest effect.
Conclusion: The study concludes that strengthening prevention mechanisms and improving real-time threat detection significantly enhances the safety of air traffic control systems.
Recommendation: The study recommends continuous investment in preventive controls, advanced monitoring tools, and staff cyber-security awareness to improve resilience in Kenya’s aviation sector.
Keywords: Cyber Attack, Prevention, Cyber Threat, Detection, Safety, Air Traffic Control, Services
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