IP: 20/20 Hindsight GAO: ATTACKS HIGHLIGHT WEAKNESS OF AVIATION INDUSTRY

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 08:03:12 -0400
> From: Ballman <Ballman () usna edu>
>
>
> The following was broadcast via email by FPMI news.
>
> =============================================
> GAO: ATTACKS HIGHLIGHT WEAKNESS OF AVIATION INDUSTRY
> =============================================
> The General Accounting Office testified at a special hearing Thursday
> that as evidenced by the terrorist attacks in the U.S. Sept. 11 that
> "serious weaknesses exist in our aviation security system and that
> their impact can be far more devastating than previously imagined."
>
> Gerald L. Dillingham, director of physical infrastructure issues for
> GAO, testified before the Subcommittees on Transportation, Senate and
> House Subcommittees on Appropriations Thursday. Dillingham said as
> the GAO reported last year in its review of the Federal Aviation
> Administration's oversight of air traffic control, computer systems,
> the agency had not followed critical aspects of its own security
> requirements.
>
> "Specifically, FAA had not ensured that [air traffic control]
> buildings were secure, that the systems themselves were protected,
> and that the contractors who access these systems had undergone
> background checks. As a result, the ATC system was susceptible to
> intrusion and malicious attacks. FAA is making some progress in
> addressing the 22 recommendations we made to improve computer
> security, but most have yet to be completed," Dillingham stated.
>
> Dillingham also said GAO reported in May 2000 that its special agents
> used fictitious law enforcement badges and credentials to gain access
> to secure areas, bypass security checkpoints at two airports and walk
> unescorted to aircraft departure gates. "The agents, who had been
> issued tickets and boarding passes, could have carried weapons,
> explosives or other dangerous objects into the aircraft."
>
> Dillingham said the after the attacks the FAA and air carriers
> implemented new controls that promise a greater sense of security.
> "We support these actions. Yet, to further minimize the
> vulnerabilities in our aviation security system, more needs to be
> done."
>
> He said several things should be considered for the immediate future,
> including:
>
> * Prioritizing outstanding recommendations that address security
> * Developing a strategic plan to address the recommendations
> * Assigning specific executive responsibility for carrying out this plan
>
> * Identifying the sources and amounts of funding needed
>
> He also said Congress should consider whether airlines should
> continue to bear the primary responsibility for screening operations
> at the nation's airports.
>
> Dillingham stated that previous tragedies resulted in congressional
> hearings, studies, recommendations and debates, but little long-term
> resolve to correct flaws.
>
> "The future of aviation security hinges in part on overcoming this
> cycle of limited action that has too often characterized the response
> to aviation security concerns."



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