Security Policy Alert: TSA To Issue Information Circular on Insider Threat
August 16, 2021
TSA has informed AAAE that the agency plans to issue an Information Circular later this week on mitigation measures related to the Insider Threat. The Information Circular (IC 21-01) meets an Aviation Security Advisory Committee recommendation from 2019 to develop an insider threat program framework and has been in development within the agency for some time. TSA did collaborate with certain members of the ASAC Insider Threat Subcommittee during the early stages of its development.
TSA plans to post the IC to the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) in the near future. In the meantime, TSA provided the following overview and information bullets regarding the IC.
TSA will soon be issuing a new Information Circular (IC) on mitigation measures on the Insider Threat.
The IC meets an Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) recommendation to develop an insider threat program framework. As such, the IC was developed in collaboration with the ASAC Insider Threat Subcommittee.
This framework provides stakeholders with a range of best practices, as well as the flexibility to adopt and tailor individual components to their unique needs.
The IC'™s framework is structured around six key insider threat focus areas identified by the ASAC:
1) Threat Detection, Assessment, and Response;
2) Aviation Worker Vetting and Evaluation;
3) Aviation Worker Screening and Access Control;
4) Training and Engagement;
5) Information Sharing; and
6) Governance and Internal Controls.
Through the establishment of this voluntary mitigation program, TSA seeks to further raise the security baseline across the aviation system.
Regulated entities at U.S. airports, including airport and aircraft operators, are encouraged to collaborate with their Federal Security Director (FSD) to implement enhancements to their existing program, tailored to local requirements and capabilities.
The framework's cross-cutting focus areas and best practices provide concepts and measures that transportation stakeholders (including cargo, general aviation, and surface stakeholders) may also consider when developing their own mitigation efforts.
TSA will regularly review and update the IC as necessary. TSA plans to convene a working group in early 2022 to examine the framework and ensure currency of recommendations. The working group will consist of TSA and industry representatives, including those from the ASAC, Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee (STSAC), and other entities as appropriate.
TSA has informed AAAE that the agency plans to issue an Information Circular later this week on mitigation measures related to the Insider Threat. The Information Circular (IC 21-01) meets an Aviation Security Advisory Committee recommendation from 2019 to develop an insider threat program framework and has been in development within the agency for some time. TSA did collaborate with certain members of the ASAC Insider Threat Subcommittee during the early stages of its development.
TSA plans to post the IC to the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) in the near future. In the meantime, TSA provided the following overview and information bullets regarding the IC.
1) Threat Detection, Assessment, and Response;
2) Aviation Worker Vetting and Evaluation;
3) Aviation Worker Screening and Access Control;
4) Training and Engagement;
5) Information Sharing; and
6) Governance and Internal Controls.
