ASCI 202 Blog 4-3: Aviation Security

There are many threats facing the aviation industry. After the attacks on 9/11, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been vigilantly monitoring and improving safety for travelers. These advancements to security screening and passenger monitoring like with the advanced baggage screening, CT scanning with 3D imaging, and full body passenger scanners brings new threats with it as well. The reliance on technology to aid in detection of nefarious activity could very well be the avenue used for said activity. Cyber Security is a rapidly growing form of attack that is relatively inexpensive to conduct (Tran, 2015). Cyber security threats at airports could cause loss of power, flight delays, and communication issues with grounds personnel and airborne aircraft. It could also cause issues with aircraft's communication, flight controls, and navigation controls (Tran, 2015).



Image Retrieved from https://www.kaspersky.com/content/en-global/images/repository/isc/2017-images/What-is-Cyber-Security.jpg

To combat this emerging threat, the TSA released a Cyber Security Roadmap in 2018 detailing these processes (TSA, 2018). This formation of a dedicated cyber security team can monitor and routinely test systems that are in place at airports to mitigate threats and potential risks. Early warning signs and alarms are used to detect tampering physically or remotely with these systems and they can be shut down by the team (TSA, 2018). 



Image Retrieved from https://cdn.nextgov.com/media/img/cd/2013/12/08/rapiscandv260/860x394.jpg?1618098731

A continual recommendation to improve security against cyber attacks would be human/personnel training. Since 95% of successful cyber attacks are due to human error, regular training and emphasis on following established protocols are highly recommended (Sobers, 2021). Safety should be at the core of every employee, not just the safety manager or staff. Rules and protocols are in place to ensure safety. If systems are no longer needed, remove them. If software or hardware need to be updated, update them. If passwords, codes, or locks have been compromised, replace them. The advancements in technology should be used as tools to aid humanity in the desire for safe air travel, not the other way around. 

Luke

Word Count: 326

References

Sobers, R. (March 16, 2021). 134 Cybersecurity Statistics and Trends for 2021. Retrieved on July 27, 2021, from  https://www.varonis.com/blog/cybersecurity-statistics/

Tran, V. (July 22, 2015). Emerging threats to aviation safety. Retrieved on July 27, 2021, from http://blog.safe-passage.com/emerging-threats-to-aviation-security

TSA. (2018). TSA cyber security roadmap. Retrieved on July 27, 2021, from https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/tsa_cybersecurity_roadmap_adm_approved.pdf


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