Combatting Aviation Insider Threat with Security Convergence Technology 

A Growing Vulnerability

Airports face a critical vulnerability in the form of insider threats. While the focus has traditionally been on countering external threats, insiders have posted major gaps in airport security. These individuals, often intelligent airport employees, have privileged access to critical infrastructure and possess valuable knowledge of an airport’s vulnerabilities. As airports invest millions in security measures against external threats, the need for a multi-faceted approach that addresses both internal and external dangers becomes increasingly evident. 

The Truth Unveiled

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have invested significant time and effort in securing critical infrastructure and key resources, including airports. However, the evolving threat landscape demands innovative security measures. Recent studies conducted by DHS, the FBI and other agencies reveal that insiders are not only exploited by terrorists but are also perpetrating their own acts of sabotage. To effectively combat insider threat, airports must adopt dynamic risk management and cutting-edge technology that eliminates silos and manual processes.

Hidden Damages

Insider threats can cause extensive damage to critical physical, logical and security systems, eroding trust in airport security. In recent cases, insiders facilitated smuggling operations, engaged in terrorism-related activities and exploited security loopholes by manufacturing fake security badges. These incidents highlight the ease with which insiders can access sensitive areas, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.

From Risk Management to Prevention

Airports often adopt a “manage risk” approach, reacting to threats rather than preventing them. This reactive stance disrupts airport operations and fails to provide comprehensive security. A proactive prevention approach that leverages technology and intelligence is crucial. By embracing automation and advanced tools, airports can refine their security approach and stay ahead of evolving insider threat behaviors. 

Behavioral trends provide statistical information to monitor/manage:

How Limited Security Amplifies the Need for Automation

The greatest harm often stems from intelligent threat actors within an airport’s workforce. Traditional manual detection methods cannot effectively predict hidden criminal agendas. Limited approaches to preventing insider threats, such as credentialing and vetting processes, fall short. Automation, combined with continuous risk monitoring and comprehensive vetting, offers a more robust solution. By analyzing behavior across IT, physical and control systems, airports can detect and mitigate emerging threats and significantly reduce the probability of insider activities.

Resolving Pain Points

Airports face numerous challenges, but proven methodologies exist to address them effectively. Common pain points include managing multiple identities, document management and resolution of lost, stolen, or expired badges. Automation solutions can detect repeat badge swipe attempts, monitor behavior anomalies, and resolve discrepancies across physical and logical access control systems. By leveraging cyber-physical convergence technology, airports can bridge gaps, detect blended threats, and improve their ability to manage and respond to incidents. 

What else can Airport Guardian do for you?

An Effective Response to Insider Threat and Incident Management

Detecting insider threats is challenging, and their impact is often realized only after the damage is done. Insider Threat protection software that monitors privileged user activity, correlates IT with physical access, and conducts frequent background checks is vital in preventing insider threats. Such software enables risk analysis before granting access, facilitates immediate removal of physical access upon termination and offers comprehensive incident management capabilities. Alert Enterprise Airport Guardian’s insider threat features provide these essential capabilities, empowering airports to proactively detect and mitigate insider threats.

With Airport Guardian you can:

Airport Guardian benefits:

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David Cassady

Chief Strategy Officer

David Cassady has been selling and leading teams in Silicon Valley for more than 30 years. During that time, he’s led a mix of established software players and startups. Cassady has also been involved with five IPOs — and at least as many acquisitions. 

As Chief Strategy Officer, David leverages his extensive experience helping software businesses drive growth through deep and impactful partnerships with the world’s most successful SaaS providers like ServiceNow, Microsoft and SAP. 

Mark Weatherford

Chief Security Officer
Senior Vice President, Regulated Industries

Mark Weatherford brings years of high-level cyber-physical expertise to Alert Enterprise, and as Chief Security Officer (CSO), he guides the strategy of data management and protection by advising cyber-physical security policies and procedures within the company. Weatherford also works in liaison with businesses and executive professionals in the cyber and physical security industries to further accelerate security convergence adoption.

Mark has held numerous high-level cyber-centric positions, including Vice President and Chief Security Officer at the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Department of Homeland Security’s first Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity under the Obama administration, California’s first Chief Security Officer, and the first CISO for the state of Colorado.

Harsh Chauhan

Chief Technology Officer

As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Alert Enterprise, Harsh Chauhan is responsible for the company’s engineering technology innovation and solution delivery. A 20-year technology veteran and leader, Chauhan is focused on the growth of the company’s 3D Governance Risk Compliance (GRC) hyperscale cloud platform.

He also continues to develop integrated solutions with leading technology partners like SAP, SAP NS2, and ServiceNow. Before Alert Enterprise, Mr. Chauhan held multiple CTO positions, as well as Product Owner and Head of Development at SAP GRC 10.0, delivering targeted solutions to high-profile SAP clients.

Ruby Deol

Chief Operations Officer

Ruby Deol oversees all business units at Alert Enterprise. With more than 20 years of experience in global sales and support services, Deol nurtures existing client relationships with a customer-first approach. As Alert Enterprise continues to grow in industry recognition and stature, Deol is charged with developing and implementing methods to meet organization goals and facilitate the company’s ongoing transformation.

Kaval Kaur

CFO and Co-Founder

As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Co-Founder of Alert Enterprise, Kaval Kaur leads all finance and administrative back-office operations. Kaur is a member of the national professional organization American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the California State CPA Society.

Prior to joining Alert Enterprise, she was the CFO and Co-Founder of Virsa Systems, a position she held until its acquisition by SAP.

Kaur is a philanthropist at heart, embracing the diversity of the San Francisco Bay area by assisting with and promoting special cultural events. She recently sponsored 2,000 public schools in rural India to advance computer literacy skills for children and is a foster mother to a 10 year old.

Jasvir Gill

Founder and CEO

Leading the charge of digital transformation and security convergence is Jasvir Gill, Founder and CEO of Alert Enterprise, Inc. An accomplished engineer by trade, Gill is driving the long-overdue digital transformation of the physical security industry.

Prior to launching Alert Enterprise, Gill was the founder and CEO of Virsa Systems, where he grew the company into a global leader of application security software. An early pioneer in establishing governance, risk and compliance as a software market segment, he drove exponential growth at Virsa, facilitating its acquisition by SAP in 2006.

In his free time, Jasvir helps drive social and economic empowerment in the community. He’s also a trustee at the American India Foundation.