Aviation Security

To me the largest threat that has been a consistent growing concern since the internet was invented is Cyber crimes. According to the 2021 Cyber Defense Report (CDR), there was an increase of 5.6% increase of successful cyber attacks that year. Since the start of the report in 2014, cyber attacks rose from 62% to 86% in such a short time frame. I contribute that to the increase in technology development. Everyone has a smart device they use to connect to the world. Furthermore, people can and will access applications that connect themselves to social media, bank accounts and travel itineraries. Cyber attacks aim for one thing and it's data. Our smart devices connect to open access points that are directly linked to the internet and become susceptible to attacks. Once they get access to data cyber criminals can use that data to access other networks as long as they can get to an access point. If you have been to an airport in recent years, the increase of technology is just as impressive as the technology that we hold in our hands every day. 

 The layers of security at the airports today definitely help with the cyber threats through background checks, behavior monitoring from security employees, biometric systems that use facial recognition, scanning handheld smart devices, baggage handling systems, intelligence agencies, and even down to personnel such as air marshals on each flight for extra physical protection while in the air. These layers assist with deterrence but like anything other mitigations, there are always gaps in coverage. The screening processes help detect devices that can be used to connect to networks to steal information for the attacker to use to gain further access to cause disruption in service for passengers or disrupt cargo from reaching other points of the globe, which in turn hurts the economy. So, how do we mitigate the threat in a rapidly growing world of technology?

The most significant way we can help mitigate is for companies that have open access points is to use a Virtual Private Network which can help hide actual Internet Protocol addresses. Another way is to increase the updates on malware and spyware software that can help cut off cyber attack attempts by recognizing the attackers before they get access to the access point. Lastly, It’s up to each user to have extra security on their smart device as well. Technology is all about being connected for data exchange and it’s more important these days to protect your data.

Reference

CyberEdge. 2021. Cyberedge Defense Report. Retrieved from https://cyber-edge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CyberEdge-2021-CDR-Report-v1.1-1.pdf on February 1, 2023.