Outcomes from the Webinar and Panel Discussion on Effective bomb threat response for aviation professionals. PART1 #Bomb #AviationPros #AvSecTraining

Piotr LORENC Security Expert / Former Internal Security Agency Operations Officer. Former combat team operator with live counterterrorism experience.

Airlines and airports must adapt to a multilayer approach integrating cutting-edge technology(AI, facial recognition, data analytics, CCTV, profiling behaviour etc.) Also, well-trained staff and seamless coordination and collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies are essential to respond to bomb and terror threats in aviation effectively.

The role of government security and intelligence agencies' counterterrorism force is to act proactively to detect potential threats and minimise the risk of bomb threats and terrorist acts being materialised. #security #counterterrorism #intelligence #safety

"Intelligence agencies gather and analyze information and data."

Agencies constantly monitor different social media platforms and communications channels to identify potential threats based on suspicious behaviour and can detect any signs of hoax bomb threats early.

Agencies, based on risk assessment, assess the credibility of the bomb threat by analyzing the information from multiple sources.

The critical role of cybersecurity and digital surveillance is to track online activity. This metrology and technology helps analyse, detect and prevent hoax bomb threats.

Combining intelligence, operational response, strategic communication, security, and intel, agencies play a central role in minimizing the impacts of hoax bomb threats.

The constant evolution of threats requires ongoing adaptation, a continual process that will not end.

Airlines and Airports should cooperate closely with intel or internal security agencies to receive real-time threat assessments. Real-time monitoring is done according to the security of information protocols and rules.

There are a few strategies that Airlines and Airports can implement to mitigate and effectively respond to bomb and terror threats :

1. Comprehensive security training and drills (checking and verifying plans, communication channels, internal and external cooperation and communication, roles and responsibilities).
2. Regular non-security staff training (check-in, gate agent, call centre and information desk staff, duty officers, flight crew, flight attendants, OCC, APOC personnel, etc.).
3. Security (FIRST LINE) staff training (recognising suspicious behaviour, responding to security incidents).
4. Organising simulated drills based on a realistic scenario. Helping personnel react to suspicious items, such as bags, left boxes or any other items without attendance at the airport.
5. Flight crews should train in escalation techniques, emergency communication, and evacuation procedures in case of in-flight security threats.
6. Constantly improving (upgrading) technologies at the airports. PDCA - verifying what works and what needs to be improved.
7. Airports and airlines should cooperate closely with national security entities and CAA to monitor situations constantly. - Real-time updates (Establish collaborative intelligence network).
8. Behavioural detection officers - training in the detection of abnormal behaviour.
9. Clear threat response protocols and communication plans should be verified.
10. Preparedness for crisis communication. Who is responsible for communication? Effective crisis communication with passengers, the public, and the media(crisis impact reduction).
11. Coordination with law enforcement, intel or internal security, border guard, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, etc.
12. Airports and Airlines should promote public vigilance through campaigns, encouraging the public and staff to report suspicious activity.