Information systems security in an airport environment

Abstract

The Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1995 (ITMRA), also known as the Clinger-Cohen Act, requires the Chief Information Officers (CIO) of the Executive agencies of the government to develop, maintain and facilitate the implementation of a sound and integrated information technology architecture. The CIOs are responsible to ensure that information security policies, procedures and practices are adequate to effectively protect information systems. The National Airspace System (NAS) is made up of hundreds of facilities across the country, that provide the services required to operate and maintain the air transportation system. Airports are unique in this network as no two airports are designed the same and, while each one is a single facility, each is occupied by many different tenants who provide many different services. Each service may include one or more information systems, both automated and manual, running independently from all the others. This paper discusses some of the ways that information systems security can help ensure that key security services, including access control and authentication, are available and implementable in all systems as needed in these unique airport environments.