Aviation Security

The Next Threat for the TSA

Upon completion of the readings this week for module four, one can see how much time and effort has gone into making airline travel safe.  It is hard to truly grasp how much has been done, without having an understanding of how things were prior to September 2001.  After a review of the TSA website, specifically the historical timeline, it is clear how many adjustments the TSA has made to combat:

• Bomb threats and attempts
• Plans and attempts to hijack aircraft
• Smuggling of people and hazardous cargo

With so many layers of security added, it has been difficult for some of the typical bad actors to impose their will in the current environment.  Because the TSA has become so efficient at keeping most bad issues at bay, an emerging threat has come from insiders.  These insiders may be employees of airlines or simply have access to the aircraft or baggage that flows through the airport.  Some recent examples include:

• Airport employees trafficking firearms
• Airline workers that assist in sabotage or IED placement on aircraft
• Drug and illegal substance smuggling

There is now a very real threat from people with access.  Many of the layers of security the TSA uses is aimed at keeping the bad actors out.  If people with access decide to be bad actors or support their agenda, then not all layers of security are effective.  There are some layers of security that can deter an insider threat:

• Intelligence
• Behavior detection
• Random employee screening

For example, monitoring behavior and movement in a work area can deter bad actors.  In Las Vegas, there are hundreds of people watching all transactions and players behavior.  It may be time to step up the supervision and surveillance for the ramp, baggage area, and maintenance spaces.

One recommendation to improve security would be enhanced vetting for all employees with access and not just the crew.  Any individual who has access to the aircraft can place an IED, perform an act of sabotage, or potentially place an item on the aircraft for illegal transport.  By enhancing the vetting process and having a recurring interval for clearance, the TSA can ensure that only the right people have access to the aircraft and its related services.  

If all employees with access are vetted and cleared, just like a background check, the TSA can validate that there are no conflicts of interest, loyalty concerns, or motivations that may be contrary to the safe operation of the airline.

Word Count: 410

References

Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). TSA History. Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.tsa.gov/history

Transportation Security Administration. (2020). Insider threat roadmap 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/3597_layout_insider_threat_roadmap_0424.pdf