Threats from Within the TSA

When thinking of TSA security practices, most of us think about how effective they are in addressing threats from people not associated with the airport. But I had to wonder, what would happen if a threat came from an employee within the airport - a TSA agent, no less. In the freak case that a maliciously-intent employee would have slipped through the cracks to become a TSA employee or if a disgruntled employee saw a reason to threaten the airport, would the TSA have a plan to handle that situation?

Thankfully and not surprisingly, the TSA does acknowledge this possibility and has plans set up to try to mitigate the risk and/or address the situation if a threat does exist. The TSA calls this an insider threat, describing that as "an individual with authorized access to sensitive areas and/or information, will wittingly or unwittingly misuse or allow others to misuse this access to exploit vulnerabilities in an effort to compromise security, facilitate criminal activity, terrorism, or other illicit actions..." (Transportation Security Administration, n.d., p. 3). The TSA does report that has been attempted before, especially in the case of terrorists trying to coax information out of TSA employees (Transportation Security Administration, n.d.). 

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The TSA views this as a vital issue to stay on top of, as it can leave very vulnerable information in the wrong hands. One of the first steps that the TSA can take is simply keeping an eye on their employees - using the concept of proactive profiling, as was mentioned in one of our readings this past week. Keeping an eye out for the suspicious, deviant behavior of employees can help to clue in others on the risk of a threat (Williamsen & Cadee, 2018). Furthermore, the TSA has been developing a group specializing in detecting, mitigating, and developing protocols to address any insider threats that have been detected, the group being called the Insider Threat Mitigation Hub. The TSA will also use technology to help create specialized detection systems and develop routine responses that can be used to train specialized employees - with insider threats becoming a regularly addressed threat and response to help keep airports safe (Transportation Security Administration, n.d.). There are further, more detailed steps within a report released by the TSA (which will be listed below), but these three main points address the basic idea of each phase of preparedness.

I personally think that the ability to 'nip a threat in the bud' is vital regarding this issue. Especially if the risk of insider threats increases, I think that alterations or more strict practices should be added to the employee interview process. Being able to catch threats before they are even admitted into the business is vital. Perhaps random screenings or interviews with employees, especially if even slight suspicious behavior is detected, to analyze responses regarding possible breaches of sensitive information. Incorporating the 8 Signs of Terrorism is vital as well, keeping these signs in mind for both passengers but even with employees as well. You can never be too safe with terrorist threats, especially if the terrorist finds an 'in' with the TSA in some way.  
Jobs at TSA | Transportation Security Administration

References 

Transportation Security Administration. (n.d.). Insider threat roadmap 2020. Transportation Security Administration. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/3597_layout_insider_threat_roadmap_0424.pdf 

Williamsen, B., & Cadee, M. (2018). Extending the airport boundary: Connecting physical security and cybersecurity. Journal of Airport Management, 12(3), 236-247. 

Comments

  1. Dr. Amaya DavisDecember 9, 2021 at 12:00 PM

    Fantastic blog.

    ReplyDelete
  2. EmefreDecember 11, 2021 at 6:34 PM

    Your blog echoes the thought I have each time I enter the security checkpoint at the airport. The idea of insider threat brings chills. TSA personnel are trained to protect the public by evaluating all those boarding an aircraft. Should one of them become the threat we fear, then we have already lost the battle against terrorism. When I think about insider threat, what if a TSA agent was compromised by a terrorist organization, or be exploited for financial gain. That is why it is important that the 2020 insider threat roadmap be followed to prevent a TSA agent from going rough. I strongly believe that those that are placed in positions of security must be trusted to do the right thing especially when no one is watching. They will do the right thing and report any activity within themselves or another agent they suspect maybe a threat to our way of life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emily DetlaffDecember 14, 2021 at 5:20 AM

      Hi Emefre,
      I 100% agree. Those in TSA play a massive role in the safety of those traveling within the USA. It is a horrifficly scary thought to think that there could even just be a risk of an insider threat. Each time we pass through airports, even if we don't actively acknowledge it, are putting our trust in the TSA and the agents themselves to ensure we have a safe trip.

      Delete

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