Threats to the Aviation Industry - Coursework Example

Threats to the Aviation Industry Currently, with the advancement in technology, it has become easy for computer hackers to attack computers. At the moment, there is no firewall that can protect all systems in the aviation industry from a cyber attack (Fojt, 2006). The most vulnerable ones have been air the traffic control systems such as communications and computers. A cyber attack may affect airport operations by stoppage of air traffic control services, airport closures and data loss (Price & Forrest, 2009). However, such an attack may be managed by the airport through conduction of background checks on the persons who inspect and repair computer systems (Anon., 2001). Terrorism Terrorists have chosen the aviation industry as one of their main targets due to the many loopholes in the daily operations involved in the aviation industry (Nikbay & Hancerli, 2007). This is depicted by the September 11 terrorist attacks using airplanes. Airport operations may be affected by a terrorist attack through the destruction of airport infrastructure if a terrorist attack involves the bombing of an airport (Price & Forest, 2012). Nevertheless, terrorist threats to an airport may be managed by the airport through the acquisition of a stout aviation security that works to prevent such attacks (Anon., 1993). Ageing Workforce An ageing aerospace industry workforce is a threat to the aviation industry. Take the case where much of the workforce is on the brink of retirement and there is a lack of trained and eligible workers to replace them (DeLong, 2004). Airport operations may be affected by an ageing workforce through putting a strain on the ageing workforce by stretching their delivery capability due to increased airport operations (Anon., n.d.). However, an ageing workforce can be managed by airports through automation of various airport operations such as control centres (Bartsch, 2013). References Anon., n.d. U.S. Aerospace Industry: Progress in Implementing Aerospace Commission Recommendations, & Remaining Challenges. DIANE Publishing. Anon., 1993. Report of the President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism. DIANE Publishing. Anon., 2001. Familiar threat. Computerworld, 35 (48), pp. 13–14 [Online]. Available at: http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=FatHVHCI2DUC&dq=cyber+threats+to+the+aviation+industry&source=gbs_navlinks_s Bartsch, R. I. C., 2013. International Aviation Law: A Practical Guide. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. DeLong, D. W., 2004. Lost Knowledge: Confronting the Threat of an Aging Workforce. Oxford University Press. Fojt, M., 2006. The Airline Industry. Emerald Group Publishing. Nikbay, O. & Hancerli, S., 2007. Understanding and Responding to the Terrorism Phenomenon: A Multi-dimensional Perspective. IOS Press. Price, J. & Forrest, J., 2009. Practical Aviation Security: Predicting and Preventing Future Threats. Butterworth-Heinemann. Price, J. & Forrest, J., 2012. Practical Aviation Security: Predicting and Preventing Future Threats, 2nd ed. Butterworth-Heinemann. Read More