A method and apparatus for updating identity information in an aircraft network data processing system on an aircraft. A data processing device is connected to the aircraft network data processing system. Updated identity information and a digital signature for the updated identity information are received by the aircraft network data processing system from the data processing device. The aircraft network data processing system determines whether the digital signature is correct and whether the updated identity information is newer than current identity information stored in persistent storage in the aircraft network data processing system. Responsive to determinations that the digital signature is correct and that the updated identity information is newer than the current identity information, the updated identity information is stored in the persistent storage in the aircraft network data processing system.