TSA Tells Airlines to Secure No-Fly-List

The TSA has issued a security directive to all US Airports and airlines telling them to tighten up their cybersecurity procedures.

This after a Swiss researcher discovered an unprotected copy of the no-fly-list and other sensitive documents belonging to United Airlines feeder carrier CommuteAir.

The researcher also said that he probably could have cancelled or delayed flights and reassigned crew members as a result of this access.

The House Homeland Security Committee sent a letter to the TSA demanding answers about how the hacker was able to do this. Note that this is no more a “hack” than anyone reading a Facebook post you mark public is a hack. Since the House or Representatives security record is spotless, they are definitely in a position to cast stones. And, certainly, no Representative has ever made a mistake and exposed sensitive data.

I do get it; it is a problem, but eliminating human error is hard to do.

The White House has been working with the aviation industry in the last couple of months – before this breach was discovered – as it seeks to bolster security.

However, improving security, including modernizing systems and hiring skilled technical staff costs money. This is something the House doesn’t seem inclined to do. They could pass laws with stiff penalties, but they don’t seem inclined to do that either.

A recent report found that there were 62 ransomware attacks on the global aviation system in 2020 alone.

While I will reserve judgement on these various House inquiries, I am skeptical that much will change. But, stay tuned. Credit: The Record

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