person holding hand out with airplane overlaid

Keeping Skies Secure: Unveiling the Hidden World of Airport Security

The aviation industry continues to navigate a period of unprecedented change. From the initial shock of the pandemic in 2020 to the current surge in passenger demand amidst a global staffing crisis, airports require agile solutions to ensure smooth operations. They are complex ecosystems and when we think about them, images of passenger screenings and baggage checks is what often comes to mind, however we often forget the thousands of employees and contractors that operate the airport daily.

In today’s aviation landscape, efficient and robust security solutions are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Airports manage a complex web of personnel from airline staff and ground crew, to security personnel and maintenance workers, to the staff working at the shops within the airport. Each requires specific access privileges to perform their duties efficiently, while maintaining the highest levels of security across restricted areas. This is where an identity management system (IDMS) like HID SAFE™ comes into play. 

Enter IDMS: A Game Changer for Workforce Security

An IDMS functions like a digital gatekeeper for an airport. Imagine a traditional library with a card catalog for every department. An IDMS replaces these disparate catalogs with a single, unified system. It streamlines credentialing by eliminating the need for separate systems for different personnel groups. This ensures everyone has the correct access at all times, translating to smoother workflows, faster onboarding for new staff, and a significant reduction in security risks associated with lost or misplaced credentials. Moreover, IDMS empowers proactive security by leveraging data analytics to identify potential threats and suspicious activity. This intelligence allows security teams to focus their efforts on real concerns, creating a safer environment for everyone within the airport ecosystem.

Staff Turnover and Streamlined Security Management

High staff turnover is a reality in the aviation industry. HID SAFE tackles this challenge by automating access provisioning and revocation. When a staff member leaves, their access rights are automatically deactivated, eliminating security vulnerabilities. Additionally, onboarding new staff becomes quicker and easier with streamlined credential issuance and access assignment.

Employee Training: Empowering Your Workforce

No security solution is complete without a well-trained workforce. HID SAFE offers comprehensive training programs tailored to airport staff. These programs educate employees on proper credential handling, access control procedures, and best practices for identifying and reporting suspicious activity. Training can be delivered in various formats, including online modules, classroom sessions, and on-the-job training, ensuring all staff members are equipped with the knowledge they need to uphold airport security.

What Aviation Customers Seek in Security Solutions

Aviation clients seeking a physical identity and access management (PIAM) solution prioritize several key aspects:

  • Compliance — A system that adheres to stringent aviation security regulations, ensuring peace of mind and avoiding costly non-compliance issues
  • Enhanced Security — Real-time data analysis that empowers proactive threat detection 
  • Operational Efficiency — A solution that streamlines identity management processes, reducing manual workloads and accelerating new staff onboarding and offboarding 

HID SAFE: The Answer to Aviation Security Challenges

HID SAFE addresses these needs by offering:

  • Centralized Management — Manage all identities and access rights from a single platform, ensuring a holistic view of airport security
  • Auditing and Reporting — Generate detailed reports on access activity, ensuring accountability and facilitating security audits

The Takeaway

Being armed with an IDMS like HID SAFE empowers aviation customers to move beyond traditional security measures, creating a layered and dynamic security environment that protects not just passengers, but the entire airport ecosystem. By automating access control, streamlining staff onboarding, and ensuring compliance HID SAFE offers a comprehensive solution for a more secure and efficient airport operation.

Learn more about HID’s IDM solution >>

Ready to Take Your Airport Security to New Heights?

Contact us today and discover how HID SAFE can help you achieve a more secure and efficient future.

Listen to our podcast where we dive into the role of IDMS in compliance and staff vetting >>