The Insider Threat

TSA Insider Threat 

     The TSA has been dealing with insider threats since the beginning of its establishment. However, it has recently began to grow within the organization.  Agents that are conducting nefarious acts by using their employment to commit crimes within the workplace. The insider threat can manifest as damaging against the TSA by utilizing the TSA as a means to do harm. Insider threats are seen in different forms one of the most extreme versions would be terrorism, or extremist activity that is directed to damage the TSA. As the organization grows the potential for infiltration also increases within the TSA. Other forms can include corruption, unauthorized access to security restricted areas and information as well as unauthorized disclosure of information. As technology continues to change so does the threat to any weaknesses within the system. While there are several different kinds of insider threat I feel that these are the ones that directly effect aviation security. While the terrorist activity has slowly been on the decline there are still incidents. In 2019 there was an incident of a pilot in training having a direct link to a terrorist group. 

    To combat these different forms of insider threat the TSA has devised a roadmap consisting of layers to combat any threats. Three main priorities are to promote meaningful data that will detect threats, advance operational capability to stop threats, and mature the capability of the TSS to mitigate threats. By promoting meaningful data the TSA can use the threat information to help develop and maintain technical capabilities to identify any risks. The advance operations that will stop threats utilize information to improve and enhance the insider threat detection. To mitigate threats the TSA will expose the weak insider threat and partner with stakeholders to create specific mitigation strategies. The TSA will be able to sustain a better security culture and mindset within its workers and reduce insider threats by forcing them to take responsibility for their actions (TSA insider threat roadmap: Transportation security administration 2020). 

    In conclusion, insider threat continues to present itself as an increasing issue. Some personal recommendations would be to increase security locations for employees. Hold TSA employees to the same standards as passengers. While people can pass background checks they can become lax in their abilities to follow rules. They can easily take advantage of an organization that places too much trust on their employees. While the TSA is doing a wonderful job at combating insider threat, there will always be motive to commit nefarious acts. Covering as much ground as possible is the best way to protect aviation security. 

Transportation Security Administration . (2020, May 14). TSA insider threat roadmap: Transportation security administration. TSA Insider Threat Roadmap | Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/videos/tsa-insider-threat-roadmap.