The unmitigated insider threat to aviation (Part 1): a qualitative analysis of risks

Jon M. Loffi, Ryan J. Wallace

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Traditional aviation security methods place strong emphasis on managingthe risks of aviation passengers and customers. Little emphasis is placed on monitoringand mitigating the security risks presented by industry employees. Once vetted,
aviation employees are often granted a trusted status that affords them nearly
unfettered access to critical aviation infrastructure, aircraft, and equipment. Newsarticles are rife with anecdotes of airport, TSA, and airline employees using theiraccess and knowledge of aviation security procedures to commit crimes of theft andviolence. This study sought to understand the perceptions of aviation managers about the unique security risks presented by employees the insider risk. Interviews were conducted with six senior aviation managers from academia, airline companies, airports, trade organizations, and government agencies to ascertain each executive s impressions about the risks presented from insider threats. Interviews were analyzedusing qualitative research methodology for emerging themes and  sub-themes. Thisstudy is part one of a two-part study to ascertain the key risks presented by insiderthreats and establishing aviation security countermeasures.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Transportation Security
Volume7
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2014
Externally publishedYes

Disciplines

  • Public Relations and Advertising
  • Business
  • Information Security
  • Aviation
  • Risk Analysis

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