Aviation Security Risk Assessment
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Aviation Security Management course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Access control #
** A security measure that restricts entry to authorized individuals only. This can be achieved through various means, such as keys, access cards, biometric identification, or security personnel.
**Adverse security threat #
** A situation or event that could potentially harm aviation security, such as terrorist attacks, hijackings, or acts of sabotage.
**Aviation security (Avsec) #
** A set of measures and procedures designed to protect civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference, such as terrorist attacks, hijackings, or acts of sabotage.
**Aviation Security Management System (ASMS) #
** A systematic approach to managing aviation security risks, which includes the identification, assessment, and mitigation of those risks.
**Aviation Security Risk Assessment (ASRA) #
** A process of evaluating the likelihood and impact of potential security threats to civil aviation, and determining the appropriate level of security measures to mitigate those risks.
**Aviation Security Training Program (ASTP) #
** A training program developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to provide standardized aviation security training to personnel involved in aviation security.
**Biometric identification #
** A security measure that uses unique physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, to identify individuals.
**Cabin baggage #
** Baggage that is carried by a passenger onto the aircraft and stored in the cabin.
**Civil aviation #
** The branch of aviation that deals with non-military and non-state aircraft, including commercial airlines, private planes, and helicopters.
**Contraband #
** Items that are prohibited from being carried onto an aircraft, such as weapons, explosives, or dangerous goods.
**Critical infrastructure #
** Systems, networks, and assets that are essential to the functioning of a society or economy, and therefore require special protection.
**Crowd management #
** A security measure that involves controlling and monitoring the movement of people in and around an airport, to prevent overcrowding, stampedes, or other security threats.
**Cybersecurity #
** A set of measures and procedures designed to protect electronic systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
**Deployment plan #
** A plan that outlines the specific security measures and resources that will be used to protect a particular aviation asset or event.
**Detection equipment #
** Equipment used to detect the presence of weapons, explosives, or other contraband, such as x-ray machines, metal detectors, or trace detectors.
**Emergency response plan #
** A plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency, such as a security breach, terrorist attack, or natural disaster.
**Explosive detection systems (EDS) #
** X-ray machines used to detect explosives in baggage.
**Explosive trace detection (ETD) #
** A device used to detect the presence of explosive residue on surfaces, such as hands or clothing.
**Foreign object debris (FOD) #
** Any object that is not supposed to be on an airport's operational areas, such as tools, parts, or debris, that can cause damage to aircraft or pose a safety hazard.
**Hijacking #
** The unlawful seizure or taking control of an aircraft by force or threat of force.
**Human factors #
** The study of how human behavior and decision-making can impact aviation security.
**Identity management #
** A security measure that involves verifying the identity of individuals, such as passengers, employees, or contractors, to prevent unauthorized access to secure areas or systems.
**Incident reporting #
** A process of reporting and recording security incidents, such as security breaches, thefts, or acts of sabotage, to improve aviation security and prevent future incidents.
**Insider threat #
** A security threat that originates from within an organization, such as an employee or contractor who uses their access to commit a malicious act.
**Integrated security system #
** A security system that combines multiple security measures, such as access control, surveillance, and detection, into a single, integrated system.
**International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) #
** A specialized agency of the United Nations that develops international standards and recommended practices for civil aviation.
**Landside #
** The area of an airport that is accessible to the general public, such as the terminal building or parking lots.
**Law enforcement #
** The agencies and personnel responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order, such as police or security forces.
**Luggage #
** Baggage that is checked in and stored in the cargo hold of an aircraft.
**National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP) #
** A national program that outlines the security measures and procedures for protecting civil aviation within a country.
**Operation #
** A specific security measure or procedure, such as a patrol or a checkpoint.
**Physical security #
** A security measure that involves protecting people, property, and assets from physical harm or damage, such as barriers, locks, or alarms.
**Profiling #
** A security measure that involves selecting individuals for additional screening based on specific characteristics, such as behavior, appearance, or travel patterns.
**Risk #
** The likelihood and impact of a security threat.
**Runway #
** A designated area on an airport for the landing and takeoff of aircraft.
**Screening #
** A security measure that involves inspecting individuals, baggage, or cargo for weapons, explosives, or other contraband.
**Security audit #
** An evaluation of an organization's security measures and procedures, to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
**Security culture #
** The shared values, attitudes, and practices related to security within an organization.
**Security plan #
** A plan that outlines the security measures and procedures for protecting a specific aviation asset or event.
**Security procedures #
** Specific steps and actions that are taken to ensure aviation security, such as passenger screening or cargo inspection.
**Security screening #
** The process of inspecting individuals, baggage, or cargo for weapons, explosives, or other contraband.
**Security threat #
** A situation or event that could potentially harm aviation security, such as terrorist attacks, hijackings, or acts of sabotage.
**Sensitive information #
** Information that requires special protection due to its confidential or proprietary nature, such as passenger data or aircraft blueprints.
**Surveillance #
** A security measure that involves monitoring and observing a specific area or asset to detect security threats.
**Threat assessment #
** A process of evaluating the likelihood and impact of potential security threats, and determining the appropriate level of security measures to mitigate those risks.
**Training #
** The process of educating and preparing personnel for their roles and responsibilities in aviation security.
**Unlawful interference #
** Any act that jeopardizes the safety of civil aviation, such as terrorist attacks, hijackings, or acts of sabotage.
**Vulnerability assessment #
** A process of identifying and evaluating weaknesses in an organization's security measures and procedures, to improve aviation security and prevent security threats.
**Weapons #
** Objects that can be used to cause harm or damage, such as firearms, knives, or explosives.