What to Know About Security in the Aerospace Industry

Security in the aerospace industry primarily takes two forms: cybersecurity and physical security. Cybersecurity agents provide an invaluable form of defense against an entire host of concerns, ranging from data protection to airport infrastructure security. Physical security, on the other hand, is often represented by guard stations and security booths. Now, let's take a closer look at the responsibilities of both types of aerospace security.

Physical Security in Aeronautics

Although physical security might not initially seem as important, it actually offers a critical line of defense against vandalism, theft, unauthorized access, etc. In fact, the reason that no U.S. flights have left the airport without being commandeered by terrorists since 2001 is because of the physical security team's efforts. Keep in mind that there are many different facets to physical security, including:

•          Baggage and passenger screening

•          Cargo security

•          Access control systems

•          Perimeter security

•          Restricted access areas    

•          CCTV surveillance

•          Aircraft security inspections

Working in physical security has four main tenets:  

•          Delaying unauthorized access

•          Detecting suspicious activity

•          Protecting critical infrastructure

•          Deterring potential threats

Even with highly trained physical security on hand, there have still been 128 instances between 1947 and 2020 of a person breaching security and attempting to stow away in a plane's landing gear. If we were to allow physical security to become lax, this number would undoubtedly climb much, much higher.

Cybersecurity in Aerospace

Cybersecurity personnel typically work in data centers. Unlike physical security, they don't have a forward-facing role dealing with the public. Instead, they stay behind the scenes to protect airlines from ransomware and hacking attacks. Additionally, they maintain strict regulatory compliance and help safeguard the equipment and facilities that they utilize. Cybersecurity members will work on a variety of things such as:

•          Data protection

•          General cybersecurity concerns

•          Insider threats

•          Incident response planning    

•          Supply chain vulnerabilities  

There are five main areas that a cybersecurity agent may focus on:

•          Airport infrastructure security

•          Aircraft systems security

•          Employee security awareness training

•          Third-party vendor management

•          Employee security awareness training

Each of these areas serves a vital role in ensuring you'll be able to reach your destination in a timely manner. After all, cybersecurity issues can cause hundreds of cancelled or delayed flights. Take Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, for instance, where a cyberattack on August 24, 2024, caused massive chaos.

Physical Security and Cybersecurity Work Together

While physical security agents and cybersecurity personnel don't work in the same location, they must still work in concert to protect passengers and airlines. Otherwise, a security issue could arise without being noticed, which could lead to all sorts of flight delays. Fortunately, even with breaches and other issues, the security team at your local airport is able to prevent most incidents from ever happening.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for B.I.G Enterprises, Inc.