Safe Passage Security Training Blog

There are many threats that exist in our world. One of which is terrorism. Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political, social, or criminal gains. International terrorism and domestic terrorism both fall under this umbrella.

Recently though, it seems as if domestic terrorism has been on the rise. We hear more and more about homegrown terrorists causing devastation within their own nation. The threat is all too real and it’s happening right here in your own country.

Brussels was rocked by terrorism this week. On the morning of Tuesday, March 22^nd, two explosions hit inside Zaventem international airport and a third just a few miles away at Maelbeek metro station. The attacks have tragically left at least 30 people dead and hundreds wounded. These attacks come days after Paris terror suspect Salah Abdeslam was captured in the suburb of Molenbeek by Belgian authorities. It is believed the two incidents are related.

Airports operate multiple checkpoints for the different items and people passing through. These checkpoints aim to keep threats, drugs, and prohibited items out of secure areas. Perhaps the most recognizable airport screening checkpoint is one experienced by travelers firsthand – the passenger screening and cabin baggage screening (CBS) checkpoint. This checkpoint processes millions of passengers daily and as a result, collects a fair amount of prohibited items. Let’s examine some commonly confiscated items seized by airport security at the passenger checkpoint.

Aviation is a complex industry that is constantly growing. According to IATA, over 3.7 billion passengers will fly this year. In a day, approximately 100,000 total flights take place and more than 16 billion USD worth of goods travel by air.

The global aviation industry is heavily relied upon by many and the demand for air travel will only grow. In fact, experts predict it will double over the next 20 years. That’s why security has and will always remain a top priority for those in aviation. So what types of challenges related to security does the industry face today?

No one can deny that technology has evolved immensely in a short amount of time. Today’s technologies allow us to do things that weren’t possible years ago. 3D printers, encrypted phones, and drones are examples of how technology has advanced.

Despite the best intentions, there will still be those who will use new technology with bad intentions. Because technology is widespread and readily available for global consumption, it is often difficult to control who uses it. So when powerful technology gets in the wrong hands, it could spell disaster.

The recent upswing in terrorist activities is troubling. Terrorists have gotten smarter and more tactical with how they carry out their attacks. Although they haven’t stopped targeting the air industry as evidenced with the recent bombing of Metrojet Flight 9268 over Egypt, they have shifted toward more ground attacks.

Clearly, these attacks on places of worship, markets, cafes, hotels, and stadiums are becoming more common than we would like. Because of this, there are concerns of security especially in countries with open borders. This has some people asking whether Europe’s open border policy is making it easier for terrorists and criminals to do business. If so, would it be wise for Europe to bring back its internal borders?

Sadly, another air tragedy has struck. Nearly two weeks have passed since Metrojet Flight 9268, an Airbus 321 jetliner, crashed in the Sinai Peninsula. The plane was headed from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt to St. Petersburg, Russia when it came apart in the sky shortly after takeoff, killing all 224 people on board.

Although the incident is still under investigation, speculations are coming in regarding its fate. Could it have been an equipment malfunction since major repairs were done to the aircraft years earlier? Could it have been a technical issue unrelated to the repairs? Or could it have been a bomb planted there intentionally by ISIS affiliates?

Aviation makes up a substantial part of the transportation industry. Its size, impact, integration and use by countries all over the world make it vulnerable to attacks. Over the years, we’ve witnessed persistent threats to aviation and recognize that they will continue as long as there are people who want to cause harm to the air industry.

The people organizing and carrying out criminal activities are rapidly becoming more sophisticated with their methods and techniques. That’s why we all need to be aware of emerging threats to aviation security.

In the past few decades, terrorist tactics have changed. Whether or not you were aware, targets of terrorist organizations and lone wolf radicals have shifted.

Previous attacks and attempts had been aimed at airlines carrying cargo and passengers. Lately though, targets have veered in a different direction – towards mass transit and critical infrastructure.

That’s not to say they’ve stopped targeting airlines altogether. We know terrorists are always looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities.

An airport employee goes between secure and insecure areas to smuggle drugs and weapons. A contract worker with airside access places explosives on an airplane. A former worker provides detailed intelligence to a terrorist organization about the inner-workings of a major airport.

The thought of an insider threat brings considerable concern to organizations operating in the aviation industry. It’s not a new concept, but it’s receiving rising attention today because of recent security breaches. Will airports around the world adopt full employee screening as a countermeasure?