Published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection 27 July 2020
Why are fraudulent IDs so dangerous? Ralph Piccirilli, Acting Area Port Director, Chicago states, “Criminal organizations use these counterfeit IDs to avoid attracting attention to their illegal activities.” These activities include immigration-related crimes, identity theft and terrorism. Fraudulent IDs have been found in 1,513 shipments, so far this year, coming through Chicago O’Hare International Airport’s International Mail Facility (IMF).
To read this article, click here.
Credential Authentication Technology Goes Live at Richmond, JFK and LaGuardia
Published by Homeland Security Today 25 July 2020
Fraudulent documents from air travelers are easier to detect, thanks to credential authentication technology (CAT) units that have been recently installed in three airports. “This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent documents such as driver’s licenses and passports at checkpoints and increases efficiency by automatically verifying passenger identification,” said Chuck Burke, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Richmond International Airport. “The system will also confirm the passenger’s flight status in near real time through a secured connection.”
To read this article, click here.
TSA Launches Campaign to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus in Airports
Published by Aviation Pros 2 July 2020
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched a campaign to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. TSA provides detailed information for travelers, so they know what to expect when being processed through airport security. The article covers the screening process, what items are allowed and how to store them and what is expected of passengers.
For more information about this new campaign, click here.
More Loaded Guns Detected at Checkpoints as TSA Continues to Detect High Rate of Firearms
Published by Homeland Security Today 30 May 2020
Due to the restrictions on travel, there has been a much shorter line (if any line at all) at airport security checkpoints. One would think less travel means less passengers, which would mean less chance of finding a firearm attempting to get through security. Unfortunately, this not the case. HS Today states, "TSA officers continue to detect firearms at the nation’s airports following its announcement regarding an increase in firearm detection rates during pandemic-restricted travel.”
To read this article, click here.
TSA Implements Additional COVID-19 Safety Measure at U.S. Airports
Published by Transportation Security Administration 7 May 2020
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has just announced it will require the wearing of facial protection for all employees at screening checkpoints. TSA states, “The decision to require TSA officers to wear facial protection will be implemented over the coming days. It is an additional measure to help minimize spread of COVID-19 and help raise the overall health and safety level inside the airport environment. Wearing protective eyewear remains voluntary by TSA personnel who are serving in an active screening position.”
To read this announcement, click here.
Experts Warn Companies To Prepare For Security Breaches When Travel Restrictions Lift
Published by Phocus Wire 5 May 2020
Cyber criminals and fraudsters tend to attack during the most pivotal moments of an industry change; the current pandemic demonstrates this. Within the travel industry there are warnings of possible spikes in cyber-attacks as companies prepare to get back to business. Phocus Wire says, “…fraudsters are targeting the travel space. They will be waiting for the moment when the bans are lifted and airlines start business anew because it will be a period of time when airlines are doing everything they can to grow their revenues and work out losses…”
To read this article, click here.
How Airport and Seaport Employees Can Help Stop Human Trafficking
Published by Homeland Security Today 18 April 2020
Since travel is a key tool used in human trafficking, it’s unfortunate that airport facilities have become a common hotspot for transporting victims. The Port of Seattle is one of many entities that recognizes how crucial it is for all of their employees to be trained on identifying human trafficking situations. Homeland Security Today says, “When ticket agents, janitors, baggage handlers, deckhands, oilers, and other employees are properly trained and know how to spot the warning signs of human trafficking, they can help expand the reporting of this crime to their security departments and law enforcement.”
To read this article, click here.
COVID-19 Checkpoints Aid In Combating Human Trafficking
Published by American Military University 2 April 2020
At established checkpoints, public health officials are screening individuals to prevent the spread of coronavirus. These checkpoints are not just helping the spread of this disease, but are also helping to combat human trafficking. In Homeland Security states, "Victims of both sex and labor trafficking commonly travel on interstate highways and through airports. As a result, it is important that all of those at checkpoints and screening locations are aware of the indicators of human trafficking and understand their role in combating this crime."
To learn more, click here.
Airlines Pivot From Passengers To Cargo Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Published by Los Angeles Times 31 March 2020
Over the last few weeks, airlines have been turning to cargo operations to sustain their business. With the switch to transporting cargo, this will help keep some individuals employed, and will also keep merchandise and product moving to ensure there is no lack of supplies.
To read the article, click here.
Beware Stimulus Check Scams
Published by CNN 28 March 2020
Since the outbreak of coronavirus, there has been numerous different scams that have been circulating the United States. The newest scam is taking advantage of the recent stimulus package that promises checks to the American people that meet certain criteria. Scammers are using many different tactics to obtain people's bank accounts and personal information with promises of getting that check into their hands sooner. Don't fall victim to these scams and educate yourself on what red flags to look for.
To read this article, click here.
Coronavirus and Travel in the United States
Published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 11 March 2020
The Coronavirus has changed the world of travel as we know it; not just international travel, but now domestic. COVID-19 has made its mark here in the United States, and it doesn’t look like it will be going away anytime soon. The CDC provides detailed information on traveling within the U.S and different aspects to consider and think about.
To see how this may affect you, click here.
TSA Announces New Security Measures at Sacramento International Airport Checkpoints
Published by The Sacramento Bee 1 March 2020
If you have ever passed through airport security, you’ve been directed to have your identification and boarding passes ready to be scanned. Changes to security are being implemented at Sacramento International Airport; along with other major airports like Boston Logan International. When processed through TSA security checkpoints, boarding passes are no longer required to be scanned. The Sacramento Bee states, “The new identification verification system, called Credential Authentication Technology, is being introduced this month at airports nationally. The technology connects to the TSA’s Secure Flight database, which identifies people who are on the federal government’s ‘no fly’ list.”
To read this article, click here.
Senator Markey Discusses Air Cargo Screening, Aviation Security at Field Hearing in Boston at Logan International Airport
Published by Aviation Pros 24 February 2020
Everyday thousands of aircraft fly through the skies transporting not just people, but also cargo and luggage. The Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) helps ensure that all cargo being transported is screened for possible threats. TSA states, “In our effort to raise the baseline for all elements of aviation security, this program is an important tool that helps address evolving threats while ensuring air cargo commerce remains both secure and efficient.”
To read this article, click here.
Virginia Man Arrested By Police After TSA Catches Him With Loaded Gun at Richmond International Airport Security Checkpoint
Released by Transportation Security Administration 21 February 2020
A man in Virginia has been arrested after he was questioned for having a firearm in his carry-on bag at Richmond International Airport. The gun was found by a TSA officer and contained a bullet in the chamber along with 6 others.
For more information, click here.
Louisville Man Briefly Shuts Down Airport Security Screening
Published by WDRB news 19 February 2020
A man with a history of accessing unauthorized areas at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport has been charged with resisting arrest, third-degree trespassing and second-degree disorderly conduct. The man was arrested after he attempted to enter a restricted area by using an exit lane at a security checkpoint.
To read this article, click here.
Man With Loaded Pistol Told Nebraska Airport Security He Forgot He Had it With Him, TSA Says
Published by the Lincoln Journal Star 19 February 2020
People who are boarding commercial flights are prohibited from bringing firearms in their carry-on bags. The firearm must be carried in a hard case and unloaded. However, a man at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport told authorities that he forgot he had his firearm with him.
To read this article, click here.
SchoolSafety.gov Launches to Help Educators, Administrators, Parents, and Law Enforcement Prepare for Threats
Released by U.S. Department of Homeland Security 10 February 2020
Now K-12 administrators, law enforcement, parents and the public have an online resource to help them mitigate the risk of a school threat. SchoolSafety.gov offers a sharing platform for school personnel, a school assessment tool, best practices and resources on topics related to school safety.
To learn more, click here.
U.S. Counter Intelligence Chief Warns of Broadening Spy Threat
Published by CBS News 10 February 2020
A new document released from the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) addresses technologies such as advanced encryption and artificial intelligence and the role they play in threats from other nations and groups. The report names ISIS, Lebanese Hizballah and al-Qaeda as “significant threats” and identifies Cuba, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran as “notable state adversaries.”
To read this article, click here.
California Shooting Shows Security Vulnerabilities on Buses
Published by Yahoo! News 4 February 2020
The recent shooting on a Greyhound bus has brought attention to weaknesses within America’s ground transportation system. Ground transportation is used by 30 million people every day and experts state the system is simply too vast to establish the same level of security found in airports.
To read this article, click here.
Hackers Put 30 Million Wawa Customers' Data for Sale
Published by CisoMag 30 January 2020
An ongoing investigation seeks to identify the hackers responsible for a malware payload that captured payment card details of 30 million Americans. The data was then offered for sale on the dark web.
To read this article, click here.
SECURITY ALERT 6 January 2020: National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin Issued
Issued by Department of Homeland Security 4 January 2020
Due to increasing tensions within the Middle East, an alert bulletin was issued by DHS. This bulletin highlights that attacks can come at any time with little or no warning, however, a specific, credible threat is not currently known. Advisory Bulletins describe current developments or general trends regarding threats of terrorism.
To read this NTAS bulletin, click here.
Real ID Coming 1 October 2020
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
Download the Fact Sheet here, or visit the tsa.gov/real-id to download the toolkit.
The below image shows the states currently in compliance. Click on the image to view details by state.
Super Bowl GA Flight Requirements
Published by Federal Aviation Administration 2 January 2020
The FAA has posted a Notice to Airman (NOTAM) in preparation to Super Bowl LIV. Special restrictions will be in place for both General Aviation (GA) and Unmanned Aircraft (UA) flights
To view this notice, click here.
TSA Best Practices and Recommendations - Protecting Public Areas
Published by Transportation Security Administration October 2019
Education, communication and cooperation are just some of the important topics discussed in this Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publication on protecting public areas.
To download this document, click here.
General Aviation Security Guidelines for Airport Operators and Users
Posted by Joe Dalton on 2 July 2019
Do you know in 2004 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published Security Guidelines for General Aviation Airport Operators and Users? The guidelines provided general aviation (GA) operators a quick resource on topics that had only been communicated to commercial operators. In 2017, the security guidelines document was updated by the TSA’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) to reflect current practices.
Members of the GA community identified eight functional areas of security and is broken down into detailed discussions of methods and strategies. The eight functional areas of security are:
- Risk-based methodology
- Personnel
- Aircraft
- Infrastructure: Airports/Facilities (including fixed based operators (FBOs) and corporate based operators (CBOs))
- Surveillance
- Security Plans and Communications
- Specialty Operations
- Tenants and Users
Why is this document important? Click here!
National Strategy for Aviation
Published by White House December 2018
The latest National Strategy for Aviation Security (NSAS) plan expands the list of national threats to include foreign intelligence activities, the spread of infectious diseases through air travel and insiders.
To download the full NSAS, click here.
(Human Trafficking) Awareness Training Saves Lives
Posted by Whitney Sigafoose on 30 October 2018
Human trafficking is a worldwide epidemic. According to the International Labou
r Organization, an estimated 40.3 million people are victims of modern-day slavery. Of those 40.3 million people, 24.9 million people are in forced labor and 15.4 million are in forced marriage. Contrary to popular belief, this is not just an issue overseas, it is happening right in our own backyard. The image below from the Polaris Project shows the largest hot spots for human trafficking here in the United States.
To read this article, click here.
