U.K.’s New Permit-Based Border System Aims to Identify Threats Before They Reach the Country
Published by Homeland Security Today 24 May 2021
The United Kingdom (U.K.) is tightening its borders in an effort to combat human trafficking and smuggling as well as illegal entry. Now, an electronic permit will need to be obtained by anyone wishing to travel to the U.K.
Air India: Supplier Breach Hit 4.5 Million Passengers
Published by Infosecurity Magazine 24 May 2021
When a security breach occurs, it affects not only the company, but customers. At least five commercial airlines and 4.5 million passengers were victims of a data breach involving a supplier.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Warns About the Impact of COVID-19 on Terrorism
Published by Counter Terrorism Policing 11 May 2021
One common tactic of terrorist or extremist organizations is to feed into the fears that people may be experiencing, and they are actively using COVID-19 to recruit new members. "...Counter Terrorism Policing and the UK Intelligence Services have foiled four potential terror attacks during the pandemic..."
Flights delayed at Adelaide Airport after system failure causes security breach and evacuation
Published by ABC News 26 April 2021
To ensure the security and safety of passengers and staff, airports may require the complete evacuation of aircraft and terminals in the event of a security breach. This is exactly what happened in Adelaide, Australia, at the Adelaide Airport.
There are many reasons why a person decides to engage in criminal activity. One of these is a gambling habit and this was cited as the cause of one man's decision to forge hundreds of international passports.
Security Beefed Up At Airports Over Report of Planned Attack
Published by Nigerian Tribune 12 April 2021
Even in the middle of a pandemic, airports and aviation continue to be targets for those who are planning acts of violence. Several Nigerian airports have been named in attack threats issued by "criminal elements" according to an alert issued by the country's Ministry of Aviation.
VIDEO: Six arrested in Indian airport for smuggling 5.5kg gold in their wigs
Published by Gulf Today 23 March 2021
Air travelers should inform authorities when they are carrying gold, and pay any required fees. When they try to circumvent security by hiding this precious metal, they can find themselves facing criminal charges of gold smuggling.
Money launderer tried to leave Heathrow with suitcases stuffed full of cash
Published by National Crime Agency 10 March 2021
Criminal groups routinely filter money from illegal activities through a number of channels in order to conceal where it came from. This process is known as money laundering. A man in the United Kingdom will serve time in jail after he admitted to committing money laundering offenses. The man was attempting to board a flight to Dubai when he was stopped by authorities.
Man jailed after shining laser at police helicopter
Published by BBC News 26 February 2021
The U.S. isn't the only country that has a problem with people shining lasers at aircraft. In this particular case, a judge in West Yorkshire, England, reprimanded a convicted laser attack offender after the man claimed in his defense that he thought the helicopter was a UFO.
Convicted Terrorist Arrested at Heathrow Airport on Return to U.K.
Published by Homeland Security Today 6 February 2021
A man convicted on terrorism charges in Turkey is now facing additional terrorism charges in Britain. Seven counts of terrorism have been filed, claiming the man shared publications of public executions and beheadings produced by the Islamic State.
Police Remove Mask Refuser From Lufthansa A330 In Frankfurt
Published by Simple Flying 4 February 2021
It’s not new information, that while traveling, you must wear a mask. In some cases, passengers may have medical reasons that excuses them from wearing a mask. This specific airline, Lufthansa, stated that, “Passengers with valid medical exemptions can travel without a face cover with a Lufthansa certificate signed by their doctor, in addition to a negative COVID-19 test.” A man was removed from a Lufthansa flight after violating the mask policy.
Aden International Airport Attacked After Arrival of New Government Members
Published by Homeland Security Today 4 January 2021
More than 100 people were injured, and a minimum of 26 people died, after an attack at Yemen’s Aden International Airport. The attack coincided with the arrival of new government members on an aircraft, but it is unknown if the attack was directly connected to this event.
Bomb Threat Forces Passenger Plane From Russia to Evacuate at JFK
Published by Fox News 7 December 2020
250 passengers were forced to evacuate an aircraft after landing at JFK airport due, to a bomb threat. No information concerning the threat was available. The flight originated from Moscow, Russia.
PNG's Tokua Airport Re-Opens After Security Breach and Day Closure
Published by Papua New Guinea Today 6 December 2020
In East New Britain Province, several terminal doors at Tokua Airport were breached early Sunday morning after a large fight broke out. The fight started when a group of students at the airport were attacked and robbed by 20 individuals.
Hacker Sells Access to Pakistani Airlines' Network
Published by Info Security Magazine 10 November 2020
Ransomware attacks are growing, and hackers are finding it lucrative to offer access to company networks online. Recently, one airline found its network under threat by a hacker who claims to have obtained sensitive information belonging to network users.
Border Patrol Works with Mexican Officials to Identify Laser-Pointing Culprits
Published by Homeland Security Today 3 November 2020
Just imagine. You’re a pilot flying an aircraft, and your eyesight is hindered due to a laser being pointed at you. Not only is everyone on the aircraft at risk, but also the people on the ground. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Yuma Air Branch and Mexican officials are trying to put a stop to “lasing,” as this is causing major problems for aircraft flying along the international border.
No Security Screening at Some Regional Australian Airports Under New Federal Government Rule
Published by ABC.net 4 November 2020
Aviation security in Australian airports are making some changes. Some airports will require more security, and some will require less. See exactly what changes are being made at these airports and how they will impact travelers.
Mexican Military Take Down Plane With £14m Worth of Cocaine On Board
Published by the LAD Bible 28 October 2020
Drug trafficking in Mexico isn’t anything out of the ordinary for the Mexican Military. In fact, it happens quite often, and traffickers are utilizing private jets to transport their cargo. A Mexican official states, “...this is a nightly occurrence... Every night we have between two and three, sometimes four, tracks coming our way.” In a recent event, a jet was forced to land after the military detected drugs were on board.
Aviation security in Africa has come under new scrutiny. Questions have begun to emerge as to how a suspected terrorist was able to pass through several African countries before his true identity was revealed by a security system in Senegal. Traveling as a Vietnamese pilot, the man was attempting to hide from authorities and an international warrant of arrest.
Customs Seizes 39,000 Yaba Pills From Saudi Arabia-Bound Garments Consignment in Dhaka
Published by BD News24 16 October 2020
Everyone enjoys a nice, cozy sweater during the fall and winter months. However, these particular sweaters were used to conceal yaba pills. According to the Department of Justice, “Yaba is a combination of methamphetamine (a powerful and addictive stimulant) and caffeine. Yaba, which means crazy medicine in Thai, is produced in Southeast and East Asia.”
Prague Airport Enhances Cyberattack Protection with New Cyber Security Operational Center
Published by Aviation Pros 1 October 2020
Cybersecurity is crucial in protecting the aviation industry. In the Czech Republic, a new cybersecurity center has been opened at Václav Havel Airport Prague. Aviation Pros states, “The new Cyber Security Operational Centre (CSOC) is designed to strengthen the protection of the strategic infrastructure of the largest international airport in the country against cyberattacks and to prevent the misuse of airport information systems.”
TSA and CBP announce the expansion of Preclearance
Published by Transportation Security Administration 29 September 2020
Have you heard of the Preclearance program? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) defines Preclearance as “...a partnership through which governments authorize CBP to station personnel at airports to complete customs, immigration, and agriculture inspections of travelers before they board flights bound for the United States. Precleared travelers bypass CBP and TSA security inspections upon arrival in the United States, saving valuable time as they proceed to connecting flights or their destination.”
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) #notonmyflight
Published by European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Unruly aircraft passengers create a security and safety risk. In response to an increase of incidents, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has launched a new education campaign called #notonmyflight. EASA states, “These incidents have a direct impact on both the safety of crew and of passengers. Any kind of unruly or disruptive behaviour whether related to intoxication, aggression or other factors introduces an unnecessary risk to the normal operation of a flight.”
For more information on this campaign, click here.
Passengers Threatened Flight Attendant, Grabbed Bags During Emergency Evacuation
Published by Paddle Your Own Kanoo 3 September 2020
When an accident occurs while onboard an aircraft, flight attendants are responsible for the safety of the passengers. Passengers can prevent injury and unnecessary risks by following their instructions. Failure to do so puts not only the passengers, but the crew in danger.
Passenger Used Emergency Exit to Step on Aircraft Wing
Published by 112 Ukraine 1 September 2020
Taking a stroll down the wing of an aircraft is highly discouraged in today’s world. One lady has been blacklisted by UIA airlines after she decided to do just that. Emergency exits on an aircraft should be used for emergency purposes only.
CBP Collects $575,000 from Pure Circle U.S.A. for Stevia Imports Made with Forced Labor
Published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection 13 August 2020
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides the following definition of forced labor: “Victims of forced labor could be found in factories, on farms, doing construction work, and more. Very often victims are forced to manufacture or grow products that we use and consume every day. Through force, fraud, or coercion, victims are made to work for little or no pay.” Did you know that through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, forced labor-produced goods cannot be imported into the United Sates? One company learned the hard way when they were cited civil penalties in the amount of $575,000.
Saudi Customs Train Dogs to Sniff Out Infected Air Travelers
Published by AviationPros 5 August 2020
Are you a dog lover? Instead of testing for COVID-19 with a swab, what about testing with specially trained dogs that can smell for the virus? Well, you are in luck! If you happen to pass through Saudi Customs, you will be met with a virus sniffing canine. Unfortunately, at this time, there are no trained virus sniffing cats.
Airforwarders Association: How to Handle the All-Cargo Screening Mandate
Published by Aircargo News 6 June 2020
The convenience of ordering services and goods online have helped many throughout these past few months. Since the rise in all-cargo flights, there will a new screening process. Aircargo states, “Starting in June 2021, shipments flying on international all-cargo flights will have to be screened with the same scrutiny of cargo transported on passenger planes or received from a US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-regulated entity that has applied appropriate security controls.”
Released by Federal Aviation Administration 23 June 2020
Canada to Require Temperature Screening at Airports
Published by Homeland Security Today 15 June 2020
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some new security changes taking place. Due to the concern of COVID-19, starting at the end of June, HS Today states, “Canada will now require temperature screenings for all passengers travelling to Canada or travelers departing Canadian airports for either international or domestic destinations.”
To learn more about these Canadian security changes, click here.
Why Business Leaders Use Private Aviation
Published by BM Magazine 27 May 2020
There are a variety of reasons people fly private: comfort, no long wait times, easy access to flight, privacy, security and the use of practical safety measures. Traveling private can be a much safer alternative these days, especially during the current pandemic. See what business executives are saying about the use of private aviation options and why they prefer it.
Everyone is anxious for the current lockdown requirements to end. In India, new security measures are taking off as airports prepare for upcoming travel. The Hindu article states, “According to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security sources, frisking and pat-down search of passengers will be stopped till further notice. In case of any unresolved alarm triggered by Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs) even after repeated attempts, passengers will be denied entry into aircraft and security personnel will be helped by their supervisors for appropriate action.”
In order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, some international airports are starting to implement on-site testing. Emirates airline (located at Dubai International Airport), is one of the first airlines to conduct pre-departure testing. This article gives a glimpse into their world and how they are trying to combat the spread of this deadly disease. SF Gate states, “The airline, working with the Dubai Health Authority, takes passenger blood samples at the airport before departure and said it can obtain test results within 10 minutes. The first test of the system was conducted this week on passengers traveling on an Emirates flight to Tunisia.”
What Security Leaders Can Learn From The Coronavirus Threat
Published by Security 3 March 2020
Detailed reports regarding the coronavirus threat continue to document the severity, spread and necessary steps to contain this pandemic. Security leadership focus on the protection of an organization, from loss prevention all the way to securing the facility. It’s important for these leaders to remember that employees and management are also part of an organization; their safety and security should be a high priority. As such, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate employee exposure to this virus and other possible health risks.
Nine Killed at Two Shisha Bars in Germany in Suspected Far-Right Attack
Published by CNN 20 February 2020
An investigation is underway after a man opened fire at two Turkish bars in the city of Hanau, Germany. The gunman is suspected to have a far-right background and Turkey has called the shooting, which resulted in the death of 11 people, including the gunman and his mother, an act of racism while Germany is treating it as a terrorism attack.
Islamic State's South Asia Branch Poses Security Threat to Nations Neighboring Afghanistan: UN Report
Published by The Tribune 11 February 2020
The United Nations has released a new report stating the Islamic State in Iraq is actively forming contacts with other terrorist groups, publishing propaganda and recruiting new members. Countries that neighbor Afghanistan could find themselves facing an increased security threat due to these activities.
Feds Are Lining Up More Indictments Related to Chinese Cyber-Activity, Officials Say
Published by cyberscoop 6 February 2020
Federal officials allege that China is conducting cyber attacks on U.S. companies through the use of contractors. To combat this economic espionage, the U.S. Department of Justice has stated that new indictments alleging insider threats and cyber hacking will soon be issued against Chinese nationals.
Only Three of The Top 100 International Airports Pass Basic Security Checks
Published by ZDNet 3 February 2020
International airports everywhere may want to look more closely at the cybersecurity measures used by Dublin International Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Helsinki Vantaa Airport. A new report shows they were the only three to pass basic security checks. The report was compiled by ImmuniWeb, a cybersecurity firm, and contains the results of scans that tested each airport’s mobile application security; dark web exposure, code repositories and cloud; and main website security.
GDPR Fines Top $126 Million With Over 160,000 Data Breaches Reported
Published by CPO Magazine 3 February 2020
In the European Union, more fines and data breach notifications are being issued under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, these fines are reportedly much lower than the maximum amount allowed of 4 percent of the company’s annual revenue. The exception to the rule: Google, which after failing to provide users in France with adequate disclose data collection terms was fined $57 million.
Raising the Global Travel Security Bar: DHS Announces New Travel Restrictions on Six Countries and Updated Process for Evaluating Foreign Country Compliance
Published by Department of Homeland Security 31 January 2020
Foreign governments are expected to comply with U.S. guidelines concerning public safety risk criteria, information sharing, identity-management and national security. Six governments have, at this time, failed to meet these criteria: Burma, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania. As a result, new visa restrictions have been placed on these countries.
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 byDHS. 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.
Distributed by Federal Aviation Administration 27 November 2019
The growing conflict between the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) and the self-named "Libyan National Army" (LNA) has led to an increasing threat to U.S. civil aviation.
Lapse in Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Signatory Carrier Agreements
Distributed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection 5 November 2019
To transport Visa Waver Program (VWP) travelers, you must have a valid Visa Waiver Program Agreement. Please email Lisa Caselli at lisa.a.caselli@cbp.dhs.gov with any questions.
Sharm El-Sheikh: UK to Resume Flights After Safety Ban
Published by BBC News 22 October 2019
Direct flights from the UK to Sharm el-Sheik to resume after government ban due to security concerns in 2015. The ban came as a response to the bombing of a Russian airliner resulting in the death of 224 people.
Distributed by Federal Aviation Administration 15 September 2019
Multiple unmanned aircraft system (UAS) strikes have been reported on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities. These attacks have not yet been directed at aviation, but do showcase the long-range capabilities and intent of the Huthis as this was the largest attack to date.
