The Unmitigated Insider Threat to Aviation (Part 2): An Analysis of Countermeasures

Aviation security efforts have long focused on detecting, deterring, andresponding to external threats presented by users of aviation systems. Historical dataof crime, terrorism, and other security risk factors warrant aviation managers to developa keen awareness for threats from inside their organizations. Workplace violence,crime, terrorism, smuggling, and other undesirable forms of employee behavior warrantan evaluation of security measures to detect, deter, and respond to insider threats. This study sought to identify “ best practice ” security processes, ascertain security effectiveness, and provide a baseline for shaping aviation security policy. Interviews wereconducted among six aviation industry experts from the fields of academia, airlinecompanies, airports, trade organizations, and government agencies to establish consensusabout the effectiveness of available security measures to mitigate the risks presentedby insider threats. The study incorporated a qualitative research approach for identifyingand validating prevailing themes. This study is the part two continuation ofprevious research which assessed the key risks presented by insider threats.