Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative study
In the past, aviation security regulations have mostly been reactive, responding to terrorist attacks by adding more stringent measures. In combination with the standardization of security control processes, this has resulted in a more predictable system that makes it easier to plan and execute acts...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2023-03-01
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| Series: | Heliyon |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023010290 |
| _version_ | 1827972695007952896 |
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| author | Melina Zeballos Carla Sophie Fumagalli Signe Maria Ghelfi Adrian Schwaninger |
| author_facet | Melina Zeballos Carla Sophie Fumagalli Signe Maria Ghelfi Adrian Schwaninger |
| author_sort | Melina Zeballos |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In the past, aviation security regulations have mostly been reactive, responding to terrorist attacks by adding more stringent measures. In combination with the standardization of security control processes, this has resulted in a more predictable system that makes it easier to plan and execute acts of unlawful interference. The implementation of unpredictability, that is, variation of security controls, as a proactive approach could be beneficial for addressing risks coming from outside (terrorist attacks) and inside the system (insider threats). By conducting semi-structured interviews with security experts, this study explored why and how unpredictability is applied at airports. Results show that European airport stakeholders apply unpredictability measures for many reasons: To complement the security system, defeat the opponent, and improve human factor aspects of the security system. Unpredictability is applied at various locations, by different controlling authorities, to different target groups and application forms; nevertheless, the deployment is not evaluated systematically. Results also show how the variation of security controls can contribute to mitigating insider threats, for example, by reducing insider knowledge. Future research should focus on the evaluation of the deterrent effect of unpredictability to further give suggestions on how unpredictable measures should be realized to proactively address upcoming risks. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T19:25:29Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-562c8840000a4b02a59e881f41c74459 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2405-8440 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T19:25:29Z |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Heliyon |
| spelling | doaj.art-562c8840000a4b02a59e881f41c744592023-04-05T08:17:03ZengElsevierHeliyon2405-84402023-03-0193e13822Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative studyMelina Zeballos0Carla Sophie Fumagalli1Signe Maria Ghelfi2Adrian Schwaninger3School of Applied Psychology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland; Center for Adaptive Security Research and Applications (CASRA), Thurgauerstrasse 39, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland; Corresponding author. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Applied Psychology, Institute Humans in Complex Systems, Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland.Zurich State Police, Airport Division, Research and Development, Prime Center 1, 8058 Zurich Airport, SwitzerlandZurich State Police, Airport Division, Research and Development, Prime Center 1, 8058 Zurich Airport, SwitzerlandSchool of Applied Psychology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten, Switzerland; Center for Adaptive Security Research and Applications (CASRA), Thurgauerstrasse 39, 8050 Zurich, SwitzerlandIn the past, aviation security regulations have mostly been reactive, responding to terrorist attacks by adding more stringent measures. In combination with the standardization of security control processes, this has resulted in a more predictable system that makes it easier to plan and execute acts of unlawful interference. The implementation of unpredictability, that is, variation of security controls, as a proactive approach could be beneficial for addressing risks coming from outside (terrorist attacks) and inside the system (insider threats). By conducting semi-structured interviews with security experts, this study explored why and how unpredictability is applied at airports. Results show that European airport stakeholders apply unpredictability measures for many reasons: To complement the security system, defeat the opponent, and improve human factor aspects of the security system. Unpredictability is applied at various locations, by different controlling authorities, to different target groups and application forms; nevertheless, the deployment is not evaluated systematically. Results also show how the variation of security controls can contribute to mitigating insider threats, for example, by reducing insider knowledge. Future research should focus on the evaluation of the deterrent effect of unpredictability to further give suggestions on how unpredictable measures should be realized to proactively address upcoming risks.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023010290UnpredictabilitySecurity measuresInsider threatsAviation securityQualitative research |
| spellingShingle | Melina Zeballos Carla Sophie Fumagalli Signe Maria Ghelfi Adrian Schwaninger Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative study Heliyon Unpredictability Security measures Insider threats Aviation security Qualitative research |
| title | Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative study |
| title_full | Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative study |
| title_short | Why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security – A first qualitative study |
| title_sort | why and how unpredictability is implemented in aviation security a first qualitative study |
| topic | Unpredictability Security measures Insider threats Aviation security Qualitative research |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023010290 |
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