The Supply Chain, and in turn, people and businesses worldwide rely on air cargo transportation. Maintaining air cargo security is paramount. Emerging threats such as terrorist attacks, cyber threats, operational failures, and insider risks necessitate a proactive approach from freight forwarders. Adapting to these challenges is crucial for building resilient supply chains. Staying ahead in the game requires key stakeholders to be proactive rather than reactive. Companies that fail to anticipate and address security threats may find themselves struggling in the dynamic landscape of cargo security. The TSA’s evolving security roadmap demands real-time adjustments from industry players. Are you prepared for these upcoming TSA security enhancements? While these were created and distributed in December 2021, the initiatives, just like the industry, continue to evolve.
- Security Operations: Operational security effectiveness will be measured using TSA inspections and covert testing to evaluate security program holder’s adherence to regulatory requirements and their actions taken to self-evaluate their security effectiveness and ability to identify security gaps. Prompt actions will be taken by regulated entities and TSA to ensure vulnerabilities and deficiencies are quickly resolved. TSA will work closely with regulated entities when issuing or revising regulatory requirements to ensure operational issues are appropriately identified and addressed without unnecessary procedural delays and impacts. Security operations require that your company is ready for these inspections and are able to maintain a level of security that TSA is looking for.
- Training: Air cargo screeners will be trained efficiently and effectively, and screening will be consistent, effective, and responsive to current and emerging threats. Training referenced above is focused on cargo screening and is crucial; however, overall TSA training tailored to your operations is essential. Customized training ensures that employees are educated on best practices, going beyond generic tests to provide real-world knowledge.
- Information and knowledge sharing: Information and intelligence will be shared among primary stakeholders, including TSA, other relevant government agencies, and international and industry partners, to enable agile, data-driven decision making. Intelligence sharing through the Aviation Domain Intelligence Integration & Analysis Cell (ADIAC) will allow TSA to collaborate and partner with industry to ensure air cargo screeners are prepared to identify and mitigate threats. Additionally, TSA will continue to take advantage of web-based applications for regulated entities to receive and access important information to carry out required air cargo security procedures. There are growing concerns about the vulnerability of air cargo security to cyber threats. Hackers could potentially exploit cargo ships, air freight, or target logistics companies. Moreover, cyber criminals may leverage data- based systems to infiltrate supply chains and divert shipments. Investing in cybersecurity is crucial and should not be overlooked despite the associated costs. Don’t wait until you have been hacked. Cyber insurance is also something to look into to help protect your business.
- Screening technology and innovation: TSA, through a qualification and testing program, will approve new systems to screen air cargo and work closely with industry partners to ensure that new technologies are effective and reliable. TSA will continue to evaluate its qualification and testing program process for air cargo screening technology to ensure that it adapts to changes in the technology marketplace and advances to meet the evolving threat environment. TSA will sustain and grow qualification and testing (as funding allows), while supporting the Department of Homeland Security in its related research and development (R&D) efforts. It’s crucial to ensure that the screening technology used for cargo is on the approved list. Screening technology companies need to stay updated with the TSA’s evolving list of approved screening qualifications to maintain compliance. Forgetting to update the screening technology is not an acceptable ‘excuse’ to TSA. Check the approved list every month to ensure updates are not missed.
- Policy: Air cargo policy will be comprehensive, consistent, clear, and outcome-focused, resulting in better industry interpretation and more effective enforcement. TSA air cargo policy will be agile enough to anticipate emerging threats and trends. Adaptability is key. The TSA has made strides in streamlining processes to ensure quicker updates. It’s crucial for companies to stay agile and embrace these changes promptly. While the topics may not be new, the heightened risk of physical and cyber threats necessitates a proactive and compliance-focused approach. Let’s work together as an industry to safeguard our infrastructures effectively.